Absolutely Mama Emirates June 2018

JUNE 2018 ISSUE 3 • AED20

Mama EMIRATES

Inside this issue

Marge in

Go on a

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

Safari

CHARGE Isla Fisher’s newest novel

SEE EXOTIC WILDLIFE WITHOUT LEAVING THE UAE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Dubai’s meal plan service for babies

Like a

BOSS

Tips for returning to work after baby

Summer Chic ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2018

6084010480100

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Styles to see you through the season

Absolutely Mama Emirates

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S 30/05/2018 16:01

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c ontent s JUNE 2018

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AGENDA What’s On

Top local events and activities

17

Father’s Day

Gifts for deserving dads

20 New Books

Fab, fresh reads for little ones

MAMAHOOD 24 Marge in Charge Isla Fisher on writing her latest children’s book

27 Woman in Work

We meet Kelly Ryan who just opened a new salon in the UAE

30 The Fade Effect

Kris Fade tells us all about his brand-new snack for kids

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FASHION & BEAUTY 38 It’s All Minimal

We have our eyes on the new homewear outfits from Zara Home

46 Garden Variety

Th e darling new outfits from London’s La Coqueta Kids

FOOD & FITNESS 58 Veggie Delights

Three wholesome, healthy vegetarian recipes to try

60 That’s Yummy

Th e mums behind Yum by Mum, the meal plan service for babies

HOME & INTERIORS 68 Nursery Goals

Tribe Dubai’s fresh take on two children’s rooms in Al Safa

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mama WELCOME

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46 72 Head Space

Do your interiors have anything to do with having a happy home life?

TRAVEL 78 Nature Calls

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66

Th e luxe five-star stays and safaris to take in Abu Dhabi

80 Beyond Marrakech Two utterly fabulous familyfriendly hotels in Morocco

ESSENTIALS 89 Tot Gear

Must-have travel kit, a nextgeneration pram and teethers

90 Ask the Expert

Our resident advisors answer your most burning questions

20 ON THE COVER:

Nine in the Mirror, nineinthemirror.com

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mama WELCOME

SUMMER 2018 BY MICHAEL KORS P.10

Editor’s

WOMEN’SECRET SWIMSUIT P.36

LETTER

A

s we head into June, we’re all preparing to mark the festive occasion of Eid al Fitr. For you, that might mean huge family gatherings, feasts with close friends, a quick break for you and yours, or simply relaxing. For us, this month means the arrival of gorgeous summer fashion collections, the promise of lengthy holidays to escape the heat, and all those wonderful family events that hit the emirates at this time of year, like Dubai Summer Suprises (we’re officially apologising to our banks now).

Th is issue also marks another occasion for us – the introduction of our brand-new column by fi rst-time expectant mama Frankie Hales, who tells us all about how she’s found her fi rst trimester (page 33). Elsewhere, we chat to a few celebs, like globally renowned actress Isla Fisher, who has just fi nished off her series of children’s books and talks to us about what she has planned for the future (page 24). Back on our own home turf, as it’s Father’s Day, we also have a natter with radio personality Kris Fade (page 30), who’s just launched a line of tasty kids’ snacks (so, naturally, we want to know more about his diet at home).

Whatever you do this month, make sure it’s a great one.

Eid Mubarak everyone.

Katy G i llett GROUP E D I TO R A RE-STYLED NURSERY

BY TRIBE DUBAI P.68

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r S t y l i s h M u m s

@katygillett katy@zest-media.com

Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN, CATHERINE PERKINS Production Manager: CHRIS COUCHMAN Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Directors: GREG HUGHES & ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT

@ E M I R AT E S M A M A

For editorial enquiries please email: katy@zest-media.com Group Editor: KATY GILLETT Editor UK: HELEN BARON Editorial Assistant: GEORGIA MCVEIGH Commercial Director: LEAH DAY, ROCHELLE STREATER Sales: ZARINA KAPASI Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PHIL COUZENS

For advertising enquiries please email: leah@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please email: lucie@zest-media.com

Absolutely Mama supports

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BY ANOTAH P.45

Part of the

LON DON OFFICE : 197-199 City Road, London EC1V 1JN, UK ABU DHABI OFFICE: FACT M.E FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O Box 769328, Abu Dhabi UAE zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E Our pick of gorgeous items for homes and wardrobes this June...

GIRLS ONLY

Tw in s et Subtle colours, dainty florals and signature design cuts underpin Twinset’s new SS18 Girls Campaign collection.

It’s a fun and playful selection of outfits that features dresses, ruffled skirts and denim pieces your daughters will love. twinset.com

SUMMER ESCAPISM Michael Kors

Tap into your free spirit by donning pieces from the summer collection

by Michael Kors. It’s all about flowing silhouettes, delicate textures and feminine details, featuring midi hemlines, ruffles and romantic touches of lace and floral motifs. michaelkors.com

City Slicker

Nats & Ju n Nats & Jun, a UAE-based brand, started up by offering mums gorgeous nursing outfits. But they’ve expanded to include cute onesies, like this Made in Dubai number that’s on our wish list. AED100; natsandjun.com

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Brain Power

B i z z y b ox We love the activity boxes from Bizzybox for babies and toddlers up to age three. Each box includes up to 30 age-specific toys and objects, as well as around 100 suggested learning activities and exercises to help kids reach developmental milestones. littlemajlis.com/shop/bizzybox

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ma m a LOVES

CUTE KEEPSAKES

SaM by Sabrina Dubai-based goldsmith and jewellery designer, Sabrina Mittler, creates signature imprint pieces. Essentially, it’s a loved one’s handprint captured in metal and turned into a customised pendant using 3D printing techniques.

It’s the perfect gift or keepsake for your family. Prices vary; sambysabrina.com

COUNTRY CASUAL

You -b ou tiq u e.co m The mid-length Amalfi wrap dress is the perfect garment for summer. It’s comfortable and striking, and incredibly versatile. Wear it at evening soirées, daytime fiestas or while on your travels. AED290; you-boutique.com

Skin Care

Ch i l d s Fa r m Whether your kid or baby has normal, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Childs Farm has the skincare product for you. The ranges combine essential oils, natural detergents, natural moisturisers and natural preservatives.

No nasties allowed. Baby moisturiser, AED36; babysouk.com

GAMES NIGHT

Ti c Ta c To e Get your fill of educational, fun games at affordable prices from Tic Tac Toe. The company’s aim is to reduce screen time for kids aged two-and-a-half to 10, and get them to learn through play. Prices vary; souq.com

TEA TIME

Just Juicy

A Littl e Lovel y Com pa ny This cute watermelon backpack hails all the way from The Netherlands. The bag is sturdy and washable, with adjustable shoulder straps, and fits in nicely with kitsch fashion trends. AED80; gigglesanddimples.me

Newby Tea s Pick up your limited-edition Arabian Nights gift box by Newby Teas to mark Ramadan and Eid al Fitr. The two-tier box features 40 silken pyramid teas in a combination of eight flavours, including Hunan Green, Masala, Jasmine and Ginger Lemon. AED830; newbyteas.ae

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agenda W H AT ’ S O N p . 14 • FAT H E R ’ S DAY G I F T I D E A S p . 17 • N E W B O O K S TO R E A D p . 2 0

Time to fly • PARKOUR DXB •

Older, active tots aged five and above are going to adore Parkour DXB’s summer camp, which starts on 1 July. They’ll get to jump, roll, tumble and climb their way around obstacles, having fun, staying safe and keeping active through the hot months. Sessions start from AED250 a day or AED1,110 a week, and kids aged five to nine can go from 9am to noon. parkour.ae

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W H AT ’ S ON This June celebrate Eid al Fitr, try new restaurants and go on a shopping spree

3 NEW FO O D I E S P OT S One restaurant opening, a revamp and a top Ramadan deal to try

Blowfish Ongoing Fairmont The Palm

This brand-new restaurant is a casual American-style eatery that’s great for families. Think burgers, hotdogs, soft-serve sundaes and nostalgic soda floats. fairmont.com/palm-dubai

Brunswick Ongoing Mall of the Emirates

This sports bar has grown up and been turned into a more sophisticated dining destination that’s good for casual catchups, date nights and shopping pitstops. brunswicksc.com

Editor’s Pick

Eid al Fitr

Around June 14 -17 • Venues across the UAE

As soon as the new moon is sighted this month, the city will be celebrating Eid al Fitr (literally translates to the “festival of breaking the fast”), which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. If past years are anything to go by, we should expect fireworks, feasts and family gatherings galore. Join in by wishing everyone you see an “Eid Mubarak”.

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3in1 Throughout Ramadan Vida Downtown, Dubai

The traditional mains at this iftar experience change every three days and include all the classics. Save room for the karak chai panna cotta for dessert. vida-hotels.com

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EVENTS

Dubai Summer Surprises 22 June- 4 Aug ust Venues across Dubai

Six weeks of sales will commence this month, and not just in the shops.

You’ll find deals all over the city, at the opera, Wild Wadi Water Park, IMG Worlds of Adventure and, of course, in the malls, where you can bag a bargain for you, the kids and dad in many of Dubai’s top stores. visitdubai.com/dss

MODHESH WORLD 2018

DUBAI ICE RINK

June 7-August 25 Dubai World Trade Centre

ll summer, the 19th edition of Modhesh World, a massive indoor entertainment set-up at Dubai World Trade Centre, will offer plenty of fun for the whole family. This year, the My Modhesh, My World theme takes over eight (airconditioned) halls and will feature all sorts of interactive experiences, from rides to arcade games and go-karting to trampolines, in a bunch of different zones. These include Show Land, Amusement Park, Jam Base and the Modhesh Bazaar. Enjoy! modheshworld.com

A

Ongoing The Dubai Mall

ell, this is a novel way for the kids to cool off this summer. IceBykes have been introduced at the Dubai Ice Rink.

They’re a bit like a tricycle, but they’re built to glide on the ice and allow kids to race each other around the rink (kitted out in safety gear, of course). It’s AED80 per person for a 30-minute session, and available to book in the evenings. dubaiicerink.com

W

3 fitness events

B O DY TR E E ST U D I O

D U BA I D E S E R T ROA D R U N

TH E ACA D E M Y

BY TRO O N

1 and 8 June Abu Dhabi

16 June The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road

Until 30 June Address Montgomerie, Dubai

You and your birthing partner can learn hypnobirthing techniques at two sessions this month. Release the fear and tension surrounding birth, and hone visualisation tricks. bodytreestudio.com

Runners of all abilities from age six and up can take part in either the 3K or 10K road race that’s become a much-anticipated event on the summer calendar. And they’re off! dubairunning.com

Deals on tuition packages are being offered this month, giving you the chance to work on your golfing game.

Weekly Summer Golf for Juniors sessions are also running. themontgomerie.com

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CHRONICLE BOOKS 642 Things About You (That I Love) journal, AED75; virginmegastore.ae

agen d a

DAD

NESPRESSO Creatista Plus, AED2,415; ae.buynespresso.com SECRID Mini Wallet Dutch Martin Whiskey, AED375; virginmegastore.ae

NEW ERA Clean Trucker LA Dodgers Cap, AED129; neweracap.com

RIP CURL Mirage Mick Fanning React 21 Boardshort, AED279; ripcurl.com

Mam love a s

FAT H E R ’ S DAY Great gift ideas for deserving dads

ION AUDIO ION Mustang LP Red 4-in-1 Classic Turntable, AED1,049; virginmegastore.ae

ALLSAINTS Fuyugi shirt, AED459; allsaints.com

TENEUES Dog People by Sandra Müller, AED105; virginmegastore.ae

VIRGIN MEGASTORE Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers LP; AED159; virginmegastore.ae June 201 8

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The venue

his is a crucial feature for any baby shower, as you need a nice space to dress up and have easy access to.

Luckily, here in the UAE, there are so many incredible options. I love the new La Mer (lamerdubai.ae) beach area and one restaurant in particular – Slab – caught my eye for my recent do. Unfortunately it was a bit too hot outside for al fresco dining, but the inside area is incredibly light with a beautiful open kitchen. The grey tones allow it to be wonderfully understated, so it was a perfect place to add some baby shower touches in terms of décor.

T

LAURA BUCKWELL HOSTED HER BABY SHOWER AT SLAB, LA MER

Share the

LOVE Dubai-based MC, former news anchor and expecting mama Laura Buckwell shares how she thinks a fantastic baby shower should go…

Wo r d s L AU R A B U C K W E L L Images PINK PEPPER PHOTOGR APHY

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The food

or me, this was probably the most important factor for guest experience.

High teas are lovely, but my favourite meal of the day is breakfast, so I decided to host my baby shower in the morning. With breakfast you can create and play around with a lot more food options. This is another reason I went for Slab at La Mer. The menu changes every three months, as they only serve seasonal ingredients, and I wanted to offer something different. The management even let me pick dishes to create my own menu, some of the highlights of which included avocado on toast with spring vegetables, beetroot salad, Spanish omelette and stracciatella cheese on grilled sourdough.

F

T h e s e at i n g p l a n

had 30 guests, a lot of whom didn’t know each other, so I decided on creating a seating plan. It’s a great way to get guests to properly interact. I

I

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agenda CELEBRATIONS

placed two newly pregnant ladies together who hit it off brilliantly and have connected since, as well as two other ladies who have large families (eight kids between them!). It’s important to be aware of any connections and differences between people.

SLAB SERVED A FRESH BEETROOT SALAD ON REQUEST

T h e d e c o r at i o n s

e dressed the table with little glass flowerpots from House of Flowers (houseofflowers.ae), placed in front of each guest. They were a beautiful, romantic mix of white and pink roses and made for a lovely gift for my friends to take home. And what would a baby shower be without balloons? I got a personalised one and a couple of pink bunches. I didn’t want to go over the top, though, as too many can be a bit tacky. Less is more, after all, and Happy Bubble Balloons (happybubbleballoons. com) did a remarkable job with this.

W

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“WE THOUGHT A NICE TOUCH WOULD BE TO BOOK CHILDCARE SO MUMS WITH LITTLE ONES COULD RELAX AND ENJOY”

The cake

’d never really thought of a cake as an option for a baby shower, especially as I already knew the gender and there was no need for a big reveal. However, my friend organised the most beautiful three-tier cake from Magnolia Bakery (magnoliabakery.com) and it featured three different flavours – red velvet, chocolate and vanilla cream. It really added to the decorations and setting, and it was lovely to have everyone crowd around when I cut it.

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LAURA CUTS INTO HER CAKE FROM MAGNOLIA BAKERY

Extra help

was incredibly lucky to have three friends who agreed to help with the baby shower set-up and we all coordinated brilliantly. One organised the cake and flowers; the other helped with different ideas and options, as well as the layout and signage from Just Kidding (justkidding-me.com); while the other helped with my digital invite design and game ideas. We also thought it might be a nice touch to get childcare involved for mums with little ones so they could relax and enjoy the morning. We booked Malaak Mama & Baby Care (malaak.me), which offers a brilliant service. We also got a photographer in from Pink Pepper Photography LAURA WITH HER TRUSTY (pinkpepperuae.com) to HELPERS FOR THE DAY capture memories for me.

I

goodie bag s

lthough not a necessity, I was so glad to give something back to guests for joining me in my celebration. As well as the beautiful flower pots to take home, I decided on personalised luxury chocolate from Boutique

A

Le Chocolat (boutiquelechocolat.com). They copied my invite print onto the bars for my guests, which was a lovely touch.

Games

adly we didn’t get around to playing any games, but we had baby bingo as a back-up. Games are better in smaller groups when the conversation runs dry – with 30 women, naturally, we didn’t really need it.

S

Gifts

’ve been to quite a few baby showers where mums-to-be have opened gifts in front of their guests, and, although it has been nice to watch, this does tend to go on for a while. So I decided to leave mine until I got home. With smaller groups it’s a lot more doable, but, in this case, I preferred my guests to enjoy each other’s company rather than making them sit through an hour of present opening. After I unwrapped my gifts at home I made sure to send pictures and I’ll do a follow-up when the little one arrives.

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We love

BOOKS How to train the perfect parents, adventures on the moon and convertible cars are top topics this June

Wo r d s G E O RG I A M C V E I G H

Parent Prep

LUNAR ADVENTURE LUNA AND THE MOON RABBIT

By Camille Whitcher

It’s clear why this book won the Stratford-Salariya Picture Book Prize.

Inspired by Asian folklore, a little girl befriends a mystical rabbit that lives on the moon, and travels with him to woods and fields on enchanting bedtime adventures. AED78;  uae.kinokuniya.com

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H OW TO TR AI N TH E P E R F E C T PA R E N T S

By Rebecca Ashdown

There are plenty of handbooks on how to raise a child, but now the tables have turned. Follow Mimi’s journey as she trains her parents just how she likes them – with very successful results. AED46; uae.kinokuniya.com

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BOOKS

DOWNCAST DAYS BOB’S BLUE PERIOD

By Marion Deuchars

Following on from Deuchars’ fi rst book, Bob the Artist, Bob the bird is back – but something is wrong. After his best friend leaves, everything that he paints is blue.

With help from his friends, he learns to paint in colour again. AED60;  uae.kinokuniya.com

ORANGE GOOSE & F R U ITCA S E RHYME FLIES

By Antonia Pesenti

Convertible

CAR

Th is nonsense book combines the most unlikely of ingredients to make something fantastical. Introduce babies to the world of rhymes while they discover what it might be like to drink Fresh Orange Goose or carry a Fruitcase. AED70.71;  uae.kinokuniya.com

CONVERTIBLE POLICE CAR

By Belinda Gallagher

Th is book gives a whole new meaning to the word convertible as it flattens into a playmat once you’ve fi nished reading the simple story and then transforms into a car. AED109.15;  uae.kinokuniya.com

Animal Occupations

M A R I N E TH E M E

W H AT D O A N I M A L S D O A L L D AY ?

By Wendy Hunt & Studio Muti

B O AT S A R E B U S Y

By Sara Gillingham

Th is is an encyclopaedic exposé of everyday animal life. Applying human jobs to each animal, read on as the cleaner wrasse becomes the dentist, the hyena transforms into the comedian, and the giraffe turns into the lookout. AED81.85;  uae.kinokuniya.com

For nautical enthusiasts, Boats Are Busy is the must-have board book.

Award-winning art director and designer, Sara Gillingham, features 15 simply designed boats, accompanied by their name and a short description for little boat-lovers. AED43.41;  uae.kinokuniya.com June 201 8

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mamahood I S L A F I S H E R O N H E R N E W C H I LD R E N ’ S N OV E L p . 2 4 • TO P T I P S FO R R E T U R N I N G TO WO R K p . 2 9 • C ATC H U P W I T H K R I S FA D E p . 3 0 • M U S I N G S O F A F I R ST-T I M E M A M A p . 3 3

Mum in Charge • KELLY RYAN •

It’s time for us to meet yet another awesome working mama.

This time, we head to Abu Dhabi, where Kelly Ryan has just opened her first hair salon. Find out how she managed (seeing as she just gave birth) and what makes it unique, from page 27.

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Isla In

CHARGE The Hollywood star on turning her talent for acting – and love of kids – into a series of smash-hit stories Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

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sla Fisher has come a long way – literally.

Born in Oman and raised in Oz, she’s now a Hollywood fi xture, living with her family (she has two children by her husband, the comedian Sacha Baron Cohen) in Los Angeles.

Isla has also covered a lot of ground professionally, starting out as a child actor, moving on to portray classic character Shannon Reed in Australian soap Home and Away, and fi nally making the jump to bona fide fi lm star with roles in hits from Wedding Crashers (her performance gained rave reviews for her comedic skills) to The Great Gatsby.

In recent years, she has pushed herself still further, moonlighting as a children’s author with her acclaimed Marge series.

Launching in 2016 with Marge in Charge – three tales about rainbow-haired babysitter Marge, whose innate unorthodoxy and talent for chaos causes no end of adventure for her charges, Jemima and Jakey – the books have been lauded by comic figures of no less standing than Davids Baddiel and Walliams. More importantly, they’re loved by kids across the world.

We spoke to her about the latest instalment – released last month – Marge and the Secret Tunnel, and ask why she moved into children’s writing in the fi rst place...

“I felt that for emerging or reluctant readers, there weren’t that many comedic books for kids who were just beginning to read. And then once they get a little older, there are all these really sophisticated authors, like Roald Dahl or Jeff Kinney or Francesca Simon. So I wanted to just make kids read more. It felt like a lost opportunity during that transitional phase, so I created material that I hoped would engage young readers and not push them beyond their years socially.”

She’s referring, in one sense, to the character of Marge – any child’s dream babysitter; the type who cooks chocolate soup for dinner and eats too much cake at a birthday party. She’s essentially a child in adult form, able to get away with all the things children are routinely forbidden to do. We ask her if this idea – that children should worry less about being “good” and simply enjoy being children – is reflective of how she raises her own kids.

“Yes,” she says. “Even older children… are so risk averse.

They’re taking a certain job or study a certain subject because that’s going to help them get on

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mamah o od PROFILE

It occurs to us that Isla has considered this stuff before – it’s not mere media training. She’s genuinely engaged with the power and possibility of children’s fiction. Does she, we ask, have strong views on storytelling as an artform?

What does she look for in a book? “You know what, I used to read two books a week before I had kids.

And now I have to read so many scripts that I know what to look for in a script.

But books are a luxury I don’t get to indulge in as often as I’d like.

I’m not a literary snob. I‘m one of those, ‘I’ll pick up anything: fiction, nonfiction’. I’m attracted to strong characters and an interesting plot, and the style of writing has to be engaging. But acting is sort of still the business of storytelling and, for me, it’s about helping me to create strong characters who have an emotional arc. I also try to keep all of the characters voices sounding different, and then when I’m writing a scene it’s the same as when I’m acting; I prefer if a scene starts in one place and ends somewhere surprising. I kind of like acting and writing equally, because I get lost in both experiences. And I do have a wonderful consistent dialogue with my editor, so it’s not such a lonely experience.”

When we ask, however, if there are plans for more Marge stories in future, we’re surprised at Isla’s response. “Right now I’ve sort of said to myself that this was the last

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“I CREATED MATERIAL THAT I HOPED WOULD ENGAGE YOUNG READERS AND NOT PUSH THEM BEYOND THEIR YEARS SOCIALLY ”

this other subject; there’s just so much anxiety.

And then with the internet and Instagram and how that’s impacting teenagers and children socially and emotionally, it feels like we need to do more to let them be children.”

But where did the character of Marge spring from?

“I feel like if my two best friends had a love-child it would be Marge, because one of them is sort of an eternal Peter Pan who’s in total denial about reality, and the other one tells magical, amazing stories. The Marge stories are a bit like The Cat in the Hat meets My Naughty Little Sister, which are the books that I love to read to young children, because I just think that kids find it hilarious when adults misbehave; they’re used to other kids misbehaving, but when Marge does it, it’s not like it’s in an intentional or mean-spirited way, she’s just encouraging them to unlock their creativity, challenging Jemima’s need to stop following rules for rules’ sake.”

~

book in the series, because I’ve written them at quite a cracking pace considering I’m not really a true author. It’s been work, and I’m really grateful for the experience and I’ve loved it, but I’m just looking forward now to spending time with my family.”

So, while writing is all well and good, family is her true passion. And, she admits, motherhood has changed her in some ways. “Motherhood is my favourite topic... but I really want my kids to have a normal childhood without the pressures of scrutiny.

Kids have the right to just be kids and play with their friends, and not worry about their photo appearing online. So I don’t really talk about them in public – I suppose motherhood has made me more protective.”

Yet, for those who will mourn the end of Marge, there is some hope. We ask Isla about the writing process and her sources of inspiration, and the final part of her answer suggests that as far as future endeavours are concerned, anything is possible.

“You know, I’m not really an author as a job. I’ve just been really lucky to be able to do it on the side of acting and it’s been so rewarding for me. And I’m still inspired continually.”

Isla Fisher really has come a long way, from teen soap heartthrob to bestselling author and renaissance mother. But there’s clearly much more to come...

Marge and the Secret Tunnel by Piccadilly Press, AED37.80; magrudy.com June 201 8

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mama h ood

Q&A

Did you ever sit down and plan your career?

I am a great planner, but I haven’t actually planned out my career. I have followed my interests, dreams and my instincts to get me to where I am today. What I’ve learned is that hard work and energy are two things you must have, whatever the role and industry.

Q A

woman in

WORK K

Q How would you encourage other women to join the start-up world?

A If you have a dream, then go for it. The UAE has so many opportunities to take, so many gaps to be fi lled with great ideas.

But you need to be patient and resilient to succeed. A good idea is just the beginning; the execution of the idea is key and that’s where the hard work comes in.

Meet Kelly Ryan, the mum-of-two who just set up a stylish new hair salon in Abu Dhabi called SWISH by Immaclife

KELLY WILL OPEN MORE SWISH SALONS ACROSS THE UAE SOON

~

“I HAVE FOLLOWED MY INTERESTS, DREAMS AND MY INSTINCTS TO GET ME TO WHERE I AM TODAY”

~

elly Ryan is a bit of a jill-of-alltrades. Not only is she a mum of two sons (one of whom was born in the UAE a few weeks ago), but also a qualified school teacher, a personal trainer and now an entrepreneur, as in April she opened her own hair salon in Abu Dhabi.

Here we chat about her new business and that ever-elusive life-work balance...

Q What’s different about SWISH by Immaclife compared to other hair salons?

A We only do a few things – blowouts, hair care and make-up. But we do them very, very well. We employ only the best stylists and make-up artists direct from the UK. I think our environment also sets us apart. All SWISH locations will have something special about them. Our fi rst studio has a great waterfront spot, so our clients can take in the great view in a sleek environment while having their hair taken care of.

Where did the design inspo come from?

We were looking to design a space that looks immaculate, luxurious and inviting, while still being an efficient working studio. I have seen some amazing studios in London, Milan and New York, so I wanted to take some highlights from those places and sprinkle them in here in Abu Dhabi.

Q A

Q How do you manage the responsibilities of being a mum and starting a business?

A It’s tough to keep all of the plates spinning sometimes. The way I do it – or at least try to – is to be super-organised and to cut unnecessary complexity out of my life wherever possible.

If something becomes too hard or painful without any clear benefit, I will change it and take another approach until I fi nd a way that works. My husband is also extremely supportive and we make a great team.

Q What advice do you have for other working mums?

A Get organised, de-junk unnecessary admin and use every opportunity that presents itself. Whether in business or your personal life, I always think it’s important to surround yourself with people who are good at the things you are not. So identify your strengths and your weaknesses and then complement them through the people around you.

immaclife.com June 201 8

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mamah o o d BACK

Smash It Author Vicki Psarias, AKA Mumboss, shares her top tips for returning to employment after time off with baby…

Wo r d s V I C K I P SA R I A S

E A S E I N G E N T LY o half days initially if you can, or make your fi rst day close to the weekend so you’ll have a break after the fi rst day or two back. Don’t be scared to ask questions or to set calendar reminders until you get back into the swing of things.

Your colleagues will appreciate your needing support as you return to work.

D

F

effects – positive and negative – of parental behaviour on children. Mothers worry that anything they say or do will impact upon their child, hence they’re always worrying about getting it wrong and doing some lasting ‘damage’. I would say to mothers: let yourself off the hook a bit, stop beating yourself up. Of course, if you neglect or abuse your child it could do lasting damage, but mostly, if you love and care for them, they will be OK! Every minor decision does not have to be fraught with worry or potentially guilt-inducing. There’s some strong research showing that how children turn out as adults is influenced by their peer group more than their parents. And recent research has also shown that to a certain extent, children’s personality characteristics are ‘contagious’ i.e. they get them from their friends. It’s time we told parents they can chill a little and mums can stop feeling guilty.

If your child’s a horror, it may be nothing to do with you!”

SAY N O

ne thing I’m personally not great at is saying “no” – the people-pleaser in me dies a little every time I do, but I’ve learnt the hard way (hi there, exhaustion) that no’s are necessary if you want to keep your sanity. So that’s my advice.

Simplify your life and don’t overstretch yourself. Life is about to change.

O

~

G E T S O M E ST R U C T U R E BAC K I N TO YO U R LI F E or two weeks before returning to work, set your alarm so you get used to waking up at a specific time. Try to keep to that, even on your weekends – or days off, if you are going back part time – to help with structure. Sync your diary with work’s and your partner’s, noting any special days and events. Buy a huge wall calendar and hang it up, so you don’t forget key dates.

Routine is important for you, as much as your child, so try to stick to going to bed at the same time every night to help prepare for being back at work. Whatever you do, know that things will feel a little surreal at fi rst.

That’s normal. Soon enough, though, you’ll get back into the flow of being at work and on projects that stimulate you. You’ll feel excited and challenged, and you might well

~

“ WHATEVER YOU DO, KNOW THAT THINGS WILL FEEL A LITTLE SURREAL AT FIRST ”

TO WORK

feel like I do – that being at work is the easy bit. It’s the days off or the weekends, when little people are screaming, that are the hardest!

D O N ’ T LE T M U M G U I LT W I N

he biggest challenge for most parents returning to work, or starting their own business, is the incessant wrestling with manic mum guilt. Th is often arises from now dividing your time between work and kids, and not being as readily available as you were on maternity leave.

Psychologist Dr Karen Pine, co-founder of Do Something Different Ltd (dsd.me), lends her advice on dealing with this: “I honestly believe there’s too much emphasis on the

T

An extract from MUMBOSS The Honest Mum’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home by Vicki Psarias, AED76.39; uae.kinokuniya.com June 201 8

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The Fade

Ef fect

We chat to Dubai celeb and dad-of-two, Kris Fade, about food, Father’s Day, and the unexpected roaring success of his first kids’ snack, Fade Fit Kids

Wo r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

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“I EXPECTED IT TO DO WELL , BECAUSE I WAS CONFIDENT WITH THE PRODUCT, BUT I DIDN’ T REALLY EXPECT IT TO DO THIS WELL”

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I

t wouldn’t be crazy to assume that everyone reading this knows who Kris Fade is. Dubai’s friendly AustralianLebanese radio presenter is well known for being the man behind The Kris Fade Show, to which more than 1.5 million people tune in weekly on 104.4 Virgin Radio Dubai. He’s got a few more strings to his bow than just presenting, though.

He’s also a songwriter and performer, a dad of two beautiful daughters and, now, the mastermind behind a new healthy, nut-free snack for kids that’s gone down a storm with children and adults alike.

The product, Fade Fit Kids, all started, naturally, with a radio segment on which Kris mentioned how frustrated he felt when trying to fi nd a decent healthy snack for his little ones’ lunch boxes. Within 48 hours, Mahmoud Adham, the founder and “chief munching officer” of Munchbox, a UAE-based company that creates healthy snacks for adults, got in touch with him to collaborate. Fast forward to today, and Absolutely Mama Emirates is keen to fi nd out how it all went down...

How has your new healthy children’s snack, Fade Fit Kids, done so far?

I think if we had any expectations, they’ve been tripled. The launch that happened in Mall of the Emirates in Carrefour fi rst of all

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was a blow-out. We had about 500 to 600 people there. I expected a couple hundred people to rock up, but to have those numbers… We had stocks that were meant to last – I think – a month and they went in about two to three days. We’re receiving a lot of great coverage, a lot of great responses from mums, dads and kids, as well as people without kids.

We’re also getting a lot of great responses from the schools now; they’re stocked in all the schools. And also online through fadefit.com and mumzworld.com. The response has been overwhelming. I expected it to do well, because I was confident with the product, but I didn’t really expect it to do this well.

So I’m super, super happy, and it’s got to do with the great team that’s behind it.

How do you make sure your daughters eat healthily and have a good relationship with food?

My daughters are fussy eaters. The way I’ve sort of worked around this is I’ve stopped being the dad who says “you’ve got to eat this”. They’ve seen how I am healthy, and how I go to the gym and I don’t eat any bad stuff. So now I tell them: “It’s up to you, it’s your choice. If you want to eat your food, if you want to have French fries and nuggets every night, you can. But if you want to sit with me and have some of the food that daddy eats, then you can”. And now I’ve realised they’re getting to the age – they’re six and

DADS

eight – where they understand that. And they’re opting for the healthier options, which I love to see. My kids are eating kale now! Don’t get me wrong, they still have their pizza, and their chicken nuggets, but rather than having that seven nights a week, that’s their treat maybe once or twice a week.

What’s the most challenging aspect when making sure they eat healthily?

Not being there every day. I’ve got two amazing nannies as well who help me.

I think, as parents, a lot of us who have nannies rely on them to pack the lunches sometimes. We’re all busy, but it’s just educating on what we do, making sure the right food is in the house. When I do my grocery shopping now, I don’t bring all that bad stuff home. If it’s there we’re all going to eat it, including me, so I try to fi nd healthier snack alternatives.

Father’s Day is coming up on the UAE on 21 June. Will you be celebrating?

The girls will make me a little card and that’s really about it. It’s cute. We don’t do anything big for Father’s Day. I make sure I wish my father a happy Father’s Day. I think we get a little bit lost here sometimes. I think we celebrate three to four versions depending on where you’re from when you live in the UAE. How do you juggle the responsibilities of fatherhood and your busy career?

I want to say that I’m good with my time management. It’s a big thing that I’ve worked

DUBAI CELEB KRIS FADE WITH HIS DAUGHTERS, NOUSHIE AND KIKI

on over the last three years. What I like to do is do my days in terms of hours. So I know from 6am to 10am I’m on the show. From 10am to 11am I know I’m doing more prep for my show.

From 11am and 12pm it might be my gym time, and that’s my time. From 12pm to 1pm it might be my rest time. As soon as the kids come home from 2pm to 4pm, that’s their time with dad. I really structure it. Juggling is what we’re all doing, but [it’s about] just knowing you’re not just wasting your time.

What’s the best advice you can offer new mums and dads in the UAE? Be prepared. Be. Prepared. Make sure you’re ready to go. One tip I like to give new parents is: as soon as you know that you’re pregnant and you’re expecting a baby, every time you go grocery shopping go and get a – if you’re into disposable diapers – small packet, even if it’s just a pack of 10. Guess what, you don’t have to go and fork out all that money for the diapers when baby arrives – you’ve already got them saved in the cupboard.

Again: be prepared. Don’t set the expectations too high. It is not always going to be: “I love being a parent”. It is difficult, it is hard, you will be emotional.

Just take it day by day. It’s the fi rst time you’ve ever done anything like this.

Everyone expects you to know what to do, but you don’t, you’re new at this, so be easy on yourself.

fadef it.com June 201 8

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is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

1

we an ing

2

com mon cold

Treatment

for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

www.metanium.co.uk

3 teething

4

antibiotic s

5

fi rst sle ep throug h the nig ht

6

change in di et

7

diar rhoe a

Protection

from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.

we

babies’ bums

9242 Absolutely Mama

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08/12/2017 22/11/2017 11:56 13:18

mamah o o d

COLUMN

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“I EXP ECTED MY HU SBAN D TO BE OBSESSED WITH MY BU MP, TALKING TO MY BELLY EVERY DAY AS WE LAZED BY THE P OOL”

~

first-time mama…

FRANKIE HILTON KEEPS IT STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE

Where’s the

bump?

Expecting mama Frankie Hilton talks belly bumps, babymoons and her new adoration for boho maxi dresses

H

ello, and welcome to my very first column in Absolutely Mama Emirates! My name is Frankie Hilton (née Hales, if you’re Instagram stalking), and I am the founder of female-friendly website Shimmering Sands. I am also the proud owner of a brand-new baby bump that isn’t really a bump yet. As I type, I’m at 13 weeks. So I’m still at the stage when, if I wear anything tight, it just looks like I’ve had a shocking recurrence of the Dubai stone weight gain (four years into living here).

This is my first baby, and we’re so blessed, but, in my naivety (and thanks to Instagram) I was under the impression I’d have a cute pregnancy bump just a couple of weeks after

Wo r d s F R A N K I E H I LT O N

I did the test. Who knew Instagram lies? I soon discovered that wouldn’t be happening until at least 16 weeks (four months in!). So, for now, I’m stuck looking like I’ve enjoyed one too many SALT burgers on the beach.

I first realised this after my husband and I headed off to Bali to celebrate us getting to the safe 12-week mark. After we’d found out we were expecting, we’d booked our flights and quickly started my Pinterest board inspired by visions of how my baby bump would look in boho Bali. The holiday arrived, and I was bumpless, just squidgy. I expected my husband to be obsessed with my bump, talking to my belly every day as we lazed by the pool. Not at all. And I spent most of the holiday resenting him for not being pregnant too (how selfish). I left seriously contemplating getting an “I’m pregnant, I don’t just eat a lot of cheese” badge.

Then I realised I was more worried about what other people – and my husband – would think about those extra pounds, when I really should have been concentrating on growing a healthy little baby. You know the thoughts – how that stranger by the pool is obviously judging your wobbly bits. When, in reality, they probably haven’t even noticed you’re there. And, of course, your husband loves you. He’s as excited as you are, and loves every piece of you for growing his baby.

In this day and age of Insta-perfect snaps, it’s become natural for women to feel insecure about our bodies (even when you’re not sporting what looks more like a food baby). Always appearing fab is drilled into us through the media, social media, and even our friendship circles. But hear me when I say this: you are not alone!

What I’ve learned is new mums have all been through the no-bump/bump stage, and it passes. The most important thing is to enjoy it while it lasts, because you’ll never be a first-time expectant mama again.

Enjoy the slouchy T-shirts and boho maxi dresses. Enjoy this excuse to shop for a whole new wardrobe. Enjoy not feeling like you have to suck your belly in (this is the best!).

Just don’t rush the bump or any part of your pregnancy.

Now pass me my bikini.

BUMP-LESS IN BALI

June 201 8

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LILI.indd ABSOLUTELY 1 MAMA EMIRATES - lili gaufrette SS18.indd 1

29/03/2018 29/03/2018 14:22:19 14:28

fashion & beauty N E W LO O K S FO R M U M S p . 3 6 • M I N I M A L FA S H I O N F R O M Z A R A H O M E p . 3 8 K I D S ’ ST Y LE T R E N D S p .4 4 • B E ST B E AU T Y B U YS p . 5 2

On the Cover • NINE IN THE MIRROR •

Fashion buyer Adriana and online marketer Tatiana started Nine in the Mirror when they met while pregnant and in despair over what to wear.

Since then it’s become a top fashion destination for expectant women and new mothers globally, thanks to their reliable worldwide shipping service and gorgeous clothing choices. nineinthemirror.com

June 201 8

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6 of the best B E AC H Y B U YS

VINCCI Backpack, AED239; thedubaimall.com

mama

ST Y LE NOTES

Edgy new trends, beachside essentials and summer-inspired styles for June...

WOMEN’SECRET Swimsuit, AED229; womensecret.com

MICHAEL KORS Slides, Approx. AED477; michaelkors.com

Summer is here •SEVEN WONDERS THE LABEL•

YOU-BOUTIQUE The Wild Love Woven Bag, AED350; you-boutique.com

The floral print, mustard yellow hue and comfortable, lightweight fabric are a few reasons why we love the stylish Poppy wrap dress from this Australian brand. you-boutique.com

GERARD DAREL Sun Hat, AED495; gerarddarel.com

SAMA EYEWEAR Eve Sunglasses, AED1,375; samaeyewearshop.com

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fash io n & bea ut y

MAMA

OVER-SIZE ME •Sfera•

A new limited-edition collection from Sfera has been selling out fast. Over-sized, loose-fitting pieces and pastel hues are featured throughout pieces that are as garish as they are dainty and delicate. Prices vary; sfera.com

NATS & JUN Chic clothing for nursing mamas

A SENSE OF TRAVEL

D

•Dunesi•

Got a constant sense of wanderlust? Does the boho chic style make you smile? Then you’ll love Dunesi, a brand that supports ethical manufacturing, and every item is produced in the UAE in limited numbers. We particularly want this loose-fitting, short cotton dress that’ll make you dream of Bali.

AED400; dunesi.com

FULLY EMBELLISHED •BCBGMAXAZRIA•

The Ramadan Edit 2018 boasts beautiful statement pieces like this eye-catching necklace that’s perfect for evening feasts and Eid festivities. Long, flowing dresses, elegant kaftans and modest skirts, embellished with striking detail, also feature. AED500; bcbg.com

Street Style Michael Kors

he bold, stylised tagging that dominated New York City in the early ’80s inspired the monochrome graffiti logo of Michael Kors, which is now referenced in the brand’s latest Graffiti Capsule Collection. Shoes approximately AED496; michaelkors.com

T

ubai-based mama, Natasha, founded international breastfeeding and nursing fashion label Nats & Jun as a way to #normalizebreastfeeding in public.

The clothes are designed to be comfortable, trendy and yet highly practical, so modern mums no longer have to worry about feeding time while out and about. All materials have been handpicked by Natasha, and the garments also act as a nursing cover.

“People don’t realise how a woman’s body changes and how she still loves looking good while nurturing her baby,” Natasha tells Absolutely Mama Emirates.

The brand doesn’t just cater for mums, either. Natasha also designs cute onesies for little ones, as well as gift boxes for mums and dads.

“Life doesn’t come with a manual, but it surely comes with a mother,” she adds. “Being a mother is the most beautiful phase in one’s life, but it has its own set of challenges and hardships. We at Nats & Jun try to help mamas curb these hardships by making their life a tad bit easier.

Our brand is not just a designer fashion label, but a cult to help mamas breastfeed in public with ease and without feeling self-conscious.”

Bravo. natsandjun.com

June 201 8

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It’s all MINIMAL Light fabrics and natural materials in neutral hues make up Zara Home’s new homewear collection za r ah o m e .c o m /ae

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Model: Rose Daniels Photographer: Jeremy Everett

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5 of the best SUMMER ESSENTIALS RUGGEDBUTTS Red Nautical Swim Trunks, AED90; gigglesanddimples.me

kids

FASHION NOTES

New collections and the best summer buys for little ones in the UAE

REFLEX Casual Open-Toe Sandals, AED125; namshi.com

OKAÏDI Swimsuit, AED99; okaidi.com

Shoe in •Clarks•

The latest SS18 collection for kids from Clarks includes the Crown range of super-lightweight, flexible shoes that take inspiration from classic 1970s design, but are reinvented for the modern, more fashionable child. Soft, breathable materials in beautiful shades, plus spongy soles and adjustable buckles, make them pretty as well as practical. We just have one question: do they come in our size? clarks.ae

KIABI Baby’s Summer Outfit, AED69; kiabishop.com

OKAÏDI Swimming Shorts, AED69; okaidi.com

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KIDS

SWEET & SIMPLE •Indie June•

We’ve featured the darling dresses from this UAE-based brand, but now we’re paying homage to the gorgeous leggings. Pandas, koalas and elephants all make an appearance on these sweet, stylish and super-comfortable garments for baby. From AED90; littlemajlis.com/shop/indiejune

LITTLE CREATIVE FACTORY A brand we love

NAVAL GAZING

Wo r ds HE L E N BA RO N

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•Petit Bateau•

Petit Bateau ought to make good swimwear, when you think about it. And so they do – especially if your idea of good swimwear involves classic Breton stripe designs in the bright, airy colours of a classic French summer. Marvellously maritime. petit-bateau.com

SS18 STYLE •OkaÏdi•

The French childrenswear brand has released its latest collection for zero- to 12-year-olds in Dubai. Bright colours, cute critters and comfortable materials feature throughout.

All of it perfect for a long, hot summer in Dubai or while you’re on your hols. AED49; okaidi.com

Girl Power Anotah

ecades-old, regional clothing brand, Anotah, has produced another winner. Th is 95% cotton, 5% spandex T-shirt hoodie helps redefi ne what it means to be a little girl in the 2010s and beyond. And we’re fully on board.

AED170; namshi.com

D

arcelona-based Little Creative Factory, which ships directly to the UAE, is that rare thing: a clothing brand that appears to be genuinely animated by the forms and phenomena of the outside world – and able to translate that energy into clothes that are utterly distinctive.

Too often, brands come up with a collection to which they retrospectively peg inspirations. But Little Creative Factory’s ideas and enthusiasms are stitched into every seam.

The latest collection, Dancers, offers a playful reimagining of classic dance clothing, from ballet skirts and jazz bodysuits to tap dresses. The links to the source material are self-evident: soft baby hoodies that wouldn’t look out of place in the New York dance milieu of Frances Ha; boxy ballet shirts for boys, cut to almost bolero length in the airiest of cottons; little bodysuits and apron skirts that look like they’ve been snipped out of a Degas. In fact, the painter is an important reference point throughout – there’s a dress named for him, and the entire collection is suffused with the pale, dreamy hues found in his work. The overall effect is of enchantment made completely wearable.

It’s a delicate balance, but Little Creative Factory manages it with perfect poise – just as any gifted dancer should. littlecreativefactory.com

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Floral Smock Set (approx. AED283); Ribbed Knee Socks (approx. AED29); Tbar Shoes (approx. AED235)

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GARDEN VARIETY We’ve fallen head over heels in love with the latest collection of kidswear from La Coqueta lacoquetakids .com

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This page: Striped Baby Set (approx. AED283) Opposite page: Yellow and White Dress (approx. AED283)

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This page: Yellow Baby Set (approx. AED274) Opposite page: Green Dress (approx. AED303); Ribbed Knee Socks (approx. AED29);

Yellow Mary Janes (approx. AED234); Bow Hair Clip (approx. AED17)

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6 of the best H Y D R AT I O N P R O D U C T S HASK Cactus Water Weightless Moisture Conditioner, AED29; glambeaute.com

mama’s

BEAUT Y NOTES

Keep hydrated and oxygen-packed this June with our pick of great products…

SKIN REPUBLIC Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet, AED27; sprii.com

SKINADE Peach and Mangosteen Flavoured Drink, AED800 (30day supply); +971 55 4722404

FILORGA Hydra-Hyal Serum, AED270; leading pharmacies

And breathe...

•Filorga•

DOLL FACE Nourish Anti-Oxidant Protective Moisturiser, AED99.75; glambeaute.com

Oxygen is essential to skin cell survival, and yet pollution, stress, UV rays – to name a few – deplete our oxygen supply. That’s where Filorga’s Oxygen-Peel comes in.

It’s a micro-peeling, oxygen-replenishing lotion that offers your skin a breath of fresh air – literally – through its triple-action application that resurfaces, plumps and reoxygenates. AED185; leading pharmacies

SHOW BEAUTY Pure Moisture Treatment Mask, AED215; beautysolutions-me.com

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fash io n & bea ut y M A M A

BRIGHT COLOURS •Rahua•

Rahua’s new “Color Full” range uses a plant-derived colour complex and enriching mineral pigments sourced from the Amazon to protect and nourish those colour-treated tresses. The shampoo, conditioner and hair mask are also all vegan.

From AED260; bloomingdales.com

NOVA CLINIC We test out the HydraFacial at this Jumeirah hotspot

HAIR NATUREL • H A S K•

W

We avoid food with nasties in it, so why do we slather them on our hair? That thought is why we like HASK, which uses ingredients like argan oil, cactus water, coconut oil and keratin protein, and its products are free from sulphates, parabens, phthalates and gluten.

From AED29; glambeaute.com

Wo r ds K AT Y G I L L E T T

FRESH FRAGRANCES •Per fumery & Co•

Ladies, a new luxury fragrance and beauty destination has set up shop in The Dubai Mall. Set over 50,000 square feet, Perfumery & Co also includes a boutique from French perfume house Henry Jacques, as well as the celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie’s first Middle East salon. thedubaimall.com

Wunderkind Foreo

oreo’s T-Sonic Luna Go for sensitive skin has gathered somewhat of a cult following. Its ultra-flexible “bristles” gently cleanse your skin, removing daily dirt and grime, while oxygenating cells, and leaving you with soft, glowing skin. AED450; namshi.com

F

e love a good, quick facial with no downtime, and the HydraFacial MD treatement at Nova Clinic on Al Wasl Road, Dubai has certainly won us over.

Not only does this treatment work, but it’s also pleasurable, customisable and delivered by a highly trained, super-friendly therapist who explains in detail every step.

It starts with an exfoliation – Activ-4 serum is used to remove dead skin cells.

Step two introduces Glysal serum – a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids – which has all the advantages of a peel, but with no post-peel scaling (bingo). Then there’s the extraction. But it’s no ordinary extraction. Instead, the HydraFacial MD uses a patented vortex-suction that cleans out the pores using Beta-HD serum. Far from being painful, the experience is actually quite pleasant and very refreshing.

The Dermabuilder Boost comes next, and is delivered to address fine lines, skin tone evenness and texture, using a blend of peptides (this is the only bit that gets slightly uncomfortable). Finally, the Antiox+ serum is slathered on to nourish and protect your skin. All of this takes place in 30 minutes, and then you’re good to go, with fresh, glowing, soft skin to boot. thenovaclinic.com

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food & f itness N E W H E A LT H Y C L A S S E S A N D FO O D O P T I O N S p . 5 7 • V EG E TA R I A N R EC I P E S T H E W H O LE FA M I LY W I LL LOV E p . 5 8 • T H E UA E ’ S M E A L P L A N S E RV I C E FO R BA B I E S p .6 0

New spot  K AD CHÉ

A new, home-grown eatery has entered Dubai’s Bay Square block, with a menu that’ll appeal to adults and kids alike.

Everything on the menu at Kad Ché (derived from the Arabic slang word for “bite”) – including this fab fateh quinoa dish – is made using fresh, organic ingredients. And the restaurant promises zero waste, too.

That’s an eatery we can get behind.

kadche.ae

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fo o d & fitnes s

HE ALTH

Healthy eats •UNDER500•

Health-focused, home-style café, UNDER500, has recently opened its flagship store at Motor City, featuring newly launched menu items, too. This includes dishes like the spinach, feta and avocado omelette; a baked falafel bowl; or the chicken balsamic strawberry salad. And, you guessed it, they’re all under 500 calories. under500.com

mama’s

WELLN ES S N OTES Healthy food and fitness solutions for mindful mums and munchkins

DOULA SUPPORT

FOOD FOR BABY

Baby Belly Mom

Chubby Cheeks Organics

Belly Baby Mom is the first licensed doula agency in the UAE, also offering hypnobirthing and antenatal classes, baby massage and breastfeeding workshops, plus more. Find out more by tuning into their topical podcast. babybellymom.com

Chubby Cheeks Organics launched in the UAE just last month. It’s a subscriptionbased, delivery-only company that specialises in selling fresh, organic and homemade baby food to parents in Dubai with kids aged six to 12 months. chubbycheeks.ae

Make a splash

F

airmont The Palm’s health club has introduced a new aqua exercise called Aquaspin (yup, that’s spinning in water), which has got all the mums talking. It combines highresistance and -intensity training, but it’s also low-impact and refreshing. Other options include AquaEndure, which focuses more

on endurance and speed, or AquaPower, which encompasses strength, cardio and combat moves in water, with weights thrown in for good measure.

They’re all great for new mums looking to whip themselves back into shape – and fast. Classes are AED85 and available daily. fairmont.com/palm-dubai June 201 8

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L

ina Bou, a nutritional therapist and blogger, believes cooking shouldn’t just be about eating the right foods. It’s also about being inventive, having fun and enjoying a healthy relationship with what you eat. It’s these principles that underpin her latest collection of recipes, The Good Food Good Mood Cookbook, which features a bunch of beautiful, easy, healthy vegetarian meals that are suitable for everyone. There are plenty that are also free from gluten, dairy and sugar, and all recipes feature a health-benefit key. Why not give these three plant-based meals a go first?

Buck wheat tabbouleh, g reen kale & blueberries Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

Salad: 1 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil • 100g buckwheat groats • pinch of salt • 300ml water • 100g green kale, cut into small pieces • 1 avocado • 100g blueberries • 4 sticks of celery, thinly sliced • 25g white sesame seeds

VEGGIE

Delights Three simple and nutritious vegetarian meals from Lina Bou, author of The Good Food Good Mood Cookbook Recipes LINA BOU

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Sauce: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • zest and juice of 1 lemon • 1 tsp almond butter • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions 1 Heat the coconut oil in a saucepan, then add the buckwheat and salt and cook, stirring continuously until the buckwheat turns golden. 2 Add the water and bring to the boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the buckwheat is cooked to your liking (I like it a little al dente). 3 Meanwhile, in a large bowl, prepare the sauce by simply combining the ingredients. Add the kale and, using your hands, toss it in the sauce so it’s well coated.

4 Cut the flesh of the avocado into cubes and add to the bowl, together with the blueberries, celery and buckwheat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Ready!

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fo o d & fitnes s

RECIPES

Vegg ie Pizza Serves: 2-4

Gluten-f ree vegg ie quiche

Ingredients

Dough: 90g extra virgin olive oil • 120g buckwheat flour • 120g corn flour • 360g rice flour • 300ml hot water • 3⁄4 tsp salt • any herbs and spices of your choice

Serves: 3-4

Tomato Sauce: 60g tomato purée • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped • salt and freshly ground black pepper Topping: 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped • 1⁄2 leek, thinly sliced • 1⁄2 aubergine, chopped • 1⁄2 courgette, chopped • 25g pitted black olives, halved • 70g feta cheese, cut into cubes

Directions 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2 First, prepare the dough. In a bowl, combine the oil and 60g of the buckwheat flour, then the remaining flour and the hot water. Add the salt and any herbs and spices to the dough. 3 Knead the dough, and then form it into a pizza shape and

transfer to a baking sheet. Use your hands to press out the dough and form an edge around the outside. Bake for 10 minutes.

4 Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Put the tomato purée, herbs and seasoning into a small saucepan over a low heat and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Spread over the baked pizza dough, then top with the vegetables, olives and feta cheese. 5 Bake in the middle of the oven for 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Crust: 90g quinoa flour • 90g rice flour • 90ml extra virgin olive oil • 1 egg yolk (vegan option: 1 tbsp baking soda mixed with 1 tbsp white vinegar) • 2 tbsp water Filling: 2 eggs (vegan option: 2 tbsp fl axseeds, 6 tbsp water, 1 tbsp tahini or almond butter, 1 tbsp fibre husk, well mixed) • 200g oat milk • salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 small courgette, cut into semi-circles • 1⁄2 broccoli head, cut into small florets • 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped • 1⁄2 leek, thinly sliced • 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary – use any combination you like) • 30g (1oz) pitted black olives, halves • 70g (2 1⁄4oz) feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled in your hands (optional)

Directions

The Good Food Good Mood Cookbook

by Lina Bou; e ddi sonbook s .com

1 You will need a tart tin 22cm in diameter and 2.5cm deep. 2 Start by preparing the crust. Mix the flours together in a bowl, and then stir in the wet ingredients until well combined. Use your hands to press the dough into the tart tin, and then place in the fridge to cool for 2-4 hours.

3 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Put the eggs, milk and seasoning in a jug and whisk to combine.

4 Remove the tart tin from the fridge and put it in the oven for 10 minutes to blind bake the crust. Take the crust out of the oven and add the vegetables, herbs, olives and feta cheese (reserve a handful to sprinkle on the top). Pour in the egg mixture, covering the other ingredients, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

5 Bake in the middle of the oven for 50-60 minutes until set.

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Q& A

THAT’S YUMMY Meet the dynamic duo behind Yum by Mum, a fresh meal plan provider for babies and children based in the UAE Wo r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

M

amas Antonia and Carla met while working for a large corporate company in Dubai. They had both been struggling with the difficulties of balancing a full-time job and planning healthy meals for their babies at home. So, they left their jobs to set up Yum by Mum, a meal plan provider for babies and children that offers more than 70 different dishes, incorporating plenty of fresh fruit, veg and protein, with no added salt, sugar or preservatives, delivering straight to homes across the Emirates. Here, the pair tells us more about setting up, and what’s on the table for the future…

What’s your mission at Yum by Mum? Antonia: Put simply, we believe that when mums know their little ones are being fed healthy and nutritious food, they can go on to achieve great things.

Carla: Agreed. Yum by Mum is there to simplify the lives of parents across the UAE by offering fresh and healthy food for their children. We aim to offer a variety of delicious options, including well-known children’s

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favourites that are made in a cleaner way. This gives parents peace of mind that their children are getting an array of vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates as part of a balanced diet. Our purchase process is simple and convenient with meals delivered to people’s homes by ordering online or by purchasing our products from local supermarkets.

What have been the biggest milestones for you since setting up the business?

A: To be honest, there have been many. In the early days, we knew what we wanted to do but the formalities involved in setting up the business and banking take time. We had mums hearing about our service through the grapevine, eagerly wanting to order, so it was a relief when we were able to start serving them.

C: Families across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were requesting deliveries in their respective emirates and we were thrilled to be able to expand the Yum by Mum offering to them. It gave us great excitement to see that news of the brand was spreading across the UAE. A: Launching meals into supermarkets was also a key milestone. Yum by Mum is now available in Abela and Souq Planet stores in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain,

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fo o d & fitness

ME AL PL ANS

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“ WHEN M UMS KNOW THEIR LITTLE ONES ARE BEING FED HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD, THEY CAN GO ON TO ACHIEVE G REAT THINGS”

~

YUM BY MUM FOUNDERS ANTONIA AND CARLA WITH THEIR DAUGHTERS

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How do you come up with the dishes and meal plans?

A: When we started Yum by Mum it was about supporting mums with meals they knew their little ones were going to eat and, more importantly, enjoy. We were very clear from the start that our meals will not have any added salt, sugar or preservatives and that we wanted to use the freshest ingredients we could fi nd. We also knew familiarity is key and our fi rst meals were those our mothers cooked us when we were younger, or our friends cooked for their kids and the food we served CARLA’S DAUGHTER SCARLETT EYEING UP SOME FRESH FRUIT our own kids. Our partner Eat Well shares our vision when it comes to food.

C: We worked with Eat Well to refi ne our recipes and look for ways to add additional healthy ingredients, including and we will be vegetables, which announcing are incorporated further partners in a way that and locations will not put kids soon. Th is makes off. Our Mac Yum by Mum & Cheese is a available to those great example of parents who want this – to a child it a few meals per looks like a simple week to supplement macaroni and cheese their own dish, but we have home cooking. incorporated colourmatched cauliflower, so What plans do you have in children are getting the benefits of the pipeline for Yum by Mum? the ingredient without knowing it’s there.

C: Well, over the past few weeks, we have Our Pasta Arrabiatta has spinach puréed been working hard to realise our plan of into the sauce to make it almost invisible. being able to offer meal options that are In addition, every meal has been tasted and dairy- and gluten-free. Th is has been on the approved by our own children so we have a wish list for many of our current customers range of meals we know will support parents and we hope it will appeal to other parents and delight kids. who proactively want these choices or who are facing the challenge of feeding a child What are your favourite creations with dietary issues. in your repertoire?

A: A natural progression is extending our A: My favourites are the Moroccan Lamb meals into supermarkets in Dubai, so it’s and the Roast Chicken Dinner. These are easier for parents to access our food. Beyond both dishes I order for myself because I don’t that, we are also looking at frozen options have the time to make them myself and and baby-led weaning. they’re delicious. In fact, many parents now C: We also have a new home! We are working order a meal or two for themselves, as our closely with our new partner Eat Well portion sizes are very generous, so plenty for restaurant, based at The Dubai Herbal and mum and dad.

Treatment Centre at Zabeel Park. We hope C: My favourite dishes would have to be to host Yum by Mum customers there and the Beef Cottage Pie and the Tasty Chicken have regular events such as talks and meal Bites with sweet potato mash. My daughter tastings so we can continue to offer mums absolutely loves them, so it makes me happy and dads a better service.

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“ BY OFFERING C H ILDRE N FRESH FOOD, WITH NO ADDE D SALT, SUGAR OR PRES E RVATIVES, KIDS WILL LEAD A H E ALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE”

~

ME AL PL ANS

to see her eating all of her dinner. As any mother with a two-year-old will tell you – that’s a win!

Why is it particularly important for both of you to make sure the UAE’s mums have access to fresh meals for their babies?

A: Family comes fi rst in our lives and the lives of our customers. Feeding your children with healthy and nutritious meals takes up a lot of parents’ time and thoughts. It can actually be very stressful. We believe that if Yum by Mum can alleviate that stress in any small way, then we are improving the day-today quality of parents’ lives.

C: We also know that diet affects children’s growth, development and behaviour. It affects their ability to focus, to learn, and their general wellbeing. By offering children fresh food, with no added salt, sugar or preservatives, kids will lead a far more healthy and productive life.

A: I know that when my second child Matilda was born, I struggled, primarily with the feeding of two children with different ages and needs, especially at the weaning stages for Matilda. I was working full-time, I was exhausted while cooking and, in all honesty, I had to turn to preserved foods as a back-up option. I felt very guilty about that and I longed for a service like Yum by Mum, which is why we put our energy together to launch for parents like us in the UAE. yumbymum.com

ANTONIA’S DAUGHTER JEMIMA LOVES THE CHICKEN BITES

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home & interiors N E W I N STO R E S p .6 6 • N U R S E RY TO U R I N A L SA FA p .6 8 D O E S YO U R H O M E D ÉCO R I M PAC T YO U R FA M I LY LI F E ? p .72

Ra m a d a n at home •JOHN LEWIS •

For Ramadan, Robinsons department store has an incredible, seasonal collection of clothes for men, women and kids, but it’s the home furnishings and accessories selection at John Lewis that’s caught our eye. The dining, living and outdoor furniture is bright, sophisticated and right up our street. Prices vary; robinsons.me

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6 fun and quirky P L AT E S

1

3

4

2

mama’s

DÉCOR NOTES

Dreamy home furnishings for our living rooms and kids’ nurseries...

Style Bali •Home & Soul•

The fabulous Indonesian island of Bali has been a source of inspiration for Home and Soul’s new collection.

The team has scoured its furniture scene to bring us sustainable, unique and custom-made pieces with a touch of ethnic flair, all hand-made using materials such as rattan, coconut and bamboo. Prices vary; homeandsouldubai.com

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1. Leaf print plate, AED49; zarahome.com/ae 2. Wilko dinner set porcelain, AED99; aceuae.com 3. Zinnia Blooms platter, AED139; crateandbarrel.com 4. Done by Deer compartment plate, AED45; gigglesanddimples.me 5. Rainbow unicorn bamboo tableware set, AED90; gigglesanddimples.me 6. Rosanna Plates Dots Anything Goes plates (set of 4), AED259; virginmegastore.ae

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h o me & interio rs

SHOPPING

GREEN SUMMER •Crate & Barrel•

Crate & Barrel has stocked up on lifelike succulents and hanging glass terrariums so we can inject a spot of warmth and greenery into our homes this summer.

They’re available at Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre.

Prices vary; crateandbarrel.com

Caramel & Sun The kids design furniture store powered by mums

PRICKLY DÉCOR •Giggles & Dimples•

It’s all about cacti on Giggles & Dimples’ e-store at the moment. From suitcases to chalkboards and rugs to this LED wall decoration, the prickly plant promises to add a bit of retro flair to your rooms.

AED120; gigglesanddimples.me

Wo r ds K AT Y G I L L E T T

GIFTS OF GOLD •Maisons du Monde•

If you’re planning to do some gifting come Eid al Fitr, you can’t go far wrong with a trip to Maisons du Monde, where the Golden Oasis collection will bring a sparkle to festivities this year. We particularly love this eye-catching, blingy wall piece. AED105; maisonsdumonde.com

Critter Chic F i o n a Wa l k e r

aux heads of pandas, flamingos, unicorns and zebras are hanging on the walls of kids’ nurseries, as the animal-inspired collection from Fiona Walker England is on-trend. The ethical brand also employs an all-female workforce.

It’s a win-win. AED400; tribedubai.com

F

O

livia and Magali are the lovely ladies (and mamas) behind Caramel & Sun, a homegrown contemporary and design children’s furniture and accessories store in the UAE. They say: “Caramel, because it is as sweet as childhood. Sun, because we live right under it. And what’s prettier than this golden morning sun shining gently through the curtains of the children’s room?” What indeed.

The selection from Caramel & Sun allows parents to “create their child’s bespoke universe”. Olivia and Magali work extremely hard to make sure the selection they offer through the bricks-and-mortar store in Mercato Mall, Dubai, and via their online store, is covetable and pretty.

They work with cool design brands from around the world, including Les Gambettes, Omy, Laurette, Nobodinoz and Goodnight Light.

They’re always looking for items that are of a high quality, creative, with a touch of vintage and humour that are, of course, sweet like sunshine.

caramelandsun.com

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Nursery

G OA LS Ethically sourced products, whimsical wallpapers, and sophisticated styling from Tribe Dubai is why we adore these children’s rooms in Al Safa…

Wo r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

S

ocial responsibility is at the core of what independent home décor studio Tribe Dubai does. The talented craftsmen and artisans they work with globally influence the team, which is led by Australian designer Jo England.

“Tribe represents a passion for handmade, organic and sustainable goods, and a love for sourcing products, meeting with the artisans and supporting the continuation of their timeless skills,” she says. Ethical trade is of the utmost importance, whether that’s through the products Tribe sells in its retail space in The Courtyard, Al Quoz, or through the pieces they curate at the studio. After clocking the photos of this gorgeous nursery and children’s room, Absolutely Mama Emirates was intrigued to fi nd out more about the brand’s styling and consultation services…

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HOME TOUR

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How did this project come about?

This beautiful project from Tribe Dubai is at a villa in Al Safa. Tribe styled the children’s rooms – a nursery and a sibling bedroom.

The result is this pretty-as-a-picture space; a pastel-hued palette that is not only creative and beautiful, but will also grow with the children.

Tribe worked closely with the client throughout the project – interior styling must create something really beautiful and personal to that client, so their input is always crucial to us.

At Tribe we do have a very specific style that evokes feelings of peace and we always try to adapt that depending on the client’s personal taste, whether it’s modern or eclectic. In this case, the client came to us to get the Tribe look and feel in the children’s rooms and, using our imagination and sense of style, we made the client’s dream home come true.

What was the main inspiration behind the décor in each of these rooms?

As part of the briefing and brainstorming process, we sat with the client and discussed colours and textures they liked. For the children’s room, the inspiration actually came from some beautiful wallpaper books.

We all fell in love with the scale of the mushrooms and felt it was a good choice for a unisex room. The rest of the decisions for upholstery and patterns followed from there 70

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HOME TOUR

and were all considered using the wallpaper as a frame of reference.

What products did you use in the nursery?

Custom curtains and sheers, and casegoods furniture, complemented the stunning print-to-fit wallpaper. The heirloom rug is from Australian brand Armadillo & Co, and hand-made by artisans in India. It’s also fair trade and sustainable.

Meanwhile, the Tribe daybed with custom cushions is the perfect place to relax, read or play, and the gorgeous Fiona Walker England animal heads are whimsical and so much fun. The philosophy behind this brand is to create uniquely hand-crafted items using traditional methods, meaning each item has its own individual charm and no two are identical. All products are ethically manufactured under fair trade guidelines, so they are a natural choice for Tribe.

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“OUR WORK IS INFLUENCED BY THE CRAF TSMEN AND ARTISANS WHO MAKE OUR PRODUCTS, RATHER THAN ANY ONE TREND”

~

What about the children’s room?

Again, this room has stunning bespoke wallpaper and we reupholstered the beds to update the room. Rugs are again from Armadillo & Co and, of course, more of the Fiona Walker England animal heads made their way in here too.

How involved was the family in each of the design decisions you took?

The family was very involved in this project, which is exactly how we like to work. Our client had functional requirements for the space that we had to bear in mind – of course a space has to work as well as look good, especially when there are children involved.

What home décor trends do you love at the moment?

At Tribe the craftsmen and artisans who make our products influence our work, rather than any one trend. We get new ideas for product design every time we see a new artisanal skill or material to use and together with our artisans we work on new collections. tribedubai.com June 201 8

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HEAD S PA C E

Is creating a beautiful setting enough to guarantee a harmonious, happy home life with a family? Probably not.

Absolutely Mama seeks assistance from the School of Life

I

Wo r d s PE N D L E H A R T E Illustration PHIL COUZENS

mages of beautiful family homes can be seen everywhere. Small children are artfully stumbling down stairs, their hair cutely dishevelled. Breakfast tables feature stylishly mismatched crockery, the crumby remains of a meal scattered elegantly. Sofas have cushions intact. A single pair of shoes is neatly arranged in a hallway. Th rows are casually tossed across flawlessly made beds. Swathes of well-ordered space is shot from all angles. If a visitor from another planet were to scroll through our Instagram feeds, they’d think humans lived in flawless spaces with decorative objects tastefully displayed on shelves in groups of three.

But here are some of the things you never see. The total kitchen devastation caused by children baking cakes.

Abandoned towels on the floor. Messy piles of dog-eared leaflets. Shelves of tatty books arranged with no regard for size or colour. Yesterday’s coffee cups.

Discarded shoes, especially mucky ones, or lone ones. Unfi nished craft projects too big for the cupboard. The detritus of family life requires endless clearing up, throwing away, sorting out, and that is, ultimately, what home means.

The key to a happy home life, according to the School of Life, can’t be found in a new rug or in matching towels or even in a loft conversion. Happiness comes through emotional intelligence, nurtured through ideas and discussion, and it’s entirely immune to the colour of your walls. The reality of family life comprises arguments, sulking, irrational

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behaviour, door slamming and general emotional volatility – is this what we’re trying to tame with our storage solutions and our careful lighting? If home is a state of mind, how can we achieve the serene yet characterful home life implied by all the heavily styled images?

The School of Life, Alain de Botton’s global centre for the pursuit of emotional intelligence, has a few tools to offer.

Many of them are simply conversation starters – but they’re very well thought out (not to mentioned elegantly packaged, so they also work as decorative objects for shelves). We start with 100 Questions: Family Edition, which is a simple box of cards, each featuring a leading question that can apply to all ages. It’s designed to be an improvement on this familiar exchange: “How was school today darling?” “Fine.” “Did anything interesting happen?” “No.” “What did you have for lunch?” “I can’t remember.

Stop asking me things.” Instead, here are “100 carefully composed questions designed to get you into imaginative, thought-provoking conversations between children and adults”, neatly packaged “for families who enjoy lively discussions and meaningful conversations,” it says.

It’s pitched to be revealing, rather than exposing, and to appeal to all ages. In my household, everyone is keen to play. First question: “If you had to join someone else’s family, whose would you choose?” Ouch. Th is could easily lead to one of our oft-revisited rows, which begin with the recrimination: “Stella’s mother would never put spinach in

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“ WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO TAME WITH OUR STYLISH STORAGE SOLUTIONS?”

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macaroni cheese. I wish I lived with her.” But happily the ensuing conversation is remarkably civilised, leading seamlessly into the following cards: What’s the best thing about your family? And the worst? Again, getting quite close to the bone but without actually bruising anything or slamming any doors. Answers to “The best way to get me to do something I don’t want to do is…” are predictable, involving money and chocolate, while more wide-reaching questions reveal heartfelt convictions about plastic in the oceans and global consumption and waste. Soon we’re in an intense and wide-reaching discussion spanning punishments, the value of learning maths, artificial intelligence, nature and whether parenting should be strict. Each of us learns something new about each family member, whether it’s the smell they most associate with school or their best-ever dream. Further questions include: “What makes you feel lonely?” “How strict will you be as a parent?” “What would be the best job in the

world?” “Describe your ideal school day”, and the devastating: “Do you think your parents and siblings spend too much time on phones/computers?”

While we’re on the subject of time spent on phones, The School of Life also distracted us with a stylish glass sand timer with enough yellow sand to mark out 15 minutes. Th is is another row-abater. When our youngest refuses to address her homework, we instate a 15-minute rule. Screen time can come in 15-minute increments. So can question time. And quiet time. And tidying up time. Soon we’re almost living to a timetable. Th is doesn’t work for everything: 15 minutes is long for toothbrushing, showering and the naughty step. Needless to say, the curvy timer looks nice on a shelf, too.

Ultimately, creating a lovely space for your family to inhabit is important, but it needs to be fi lled with what the Germans might call “lebensinhalt” – literally, life content. (The School of Life also has a whole set of cards on the subject of untranslatable German words, but that’s another conversation).

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N U F T N A WE W N U S E H T IN

care . ange ch ildr en ’s skin ch to on si is m a W e’ re on to ra ng e is sp ec ially deve lo ped Th at ’s wh y ou r su n care fr om UVA an d UV B rays. in sk e’s on e tl lit ur yo t protec it’ s ev en su itable An d, it’ s so mo ist ur isi ng, ro ne skin . fo r se ns iti ve or ecze ma-p wh ile th ey enjoy th e su n, So if yo u wa nt to re lax revolution . jo in th e ch ild re n of th e ch ildsfarm .co m

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T R AV E L I N S P I R AT I O N p .7 7 • LUX E STAYS A N D SA FA R I S I N A B U D H A B I p .78 A M A Z I N G S P OT S FO R FA M I LI E S I N M O R O CCO p . 8 0

Bargain stays

 NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA DUBAI 

To mark Eid al Fitr, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is offering stays for AED1,500 per night. The pristine property is a great chill-out spot for discerning adults, but also caters well for kids. All that’ll be on the agenda is relaxation, beachside pampering and family time. nikkibeachhotels.com/dubai

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INSPIRATION

Digi-detox

• C h i a L a g u n a , S a r d i n i a • Th is luxe, five-star family resort on the Italian island of Sardinia has unveiled a series of Mini Mindfulness children’s activities designed to tear little ones away from their screens. These include smiling yoga, painting, and smoothie making. Meanwhile mum and dad can enjoy the stunning beach, charming setting and fab facilities. chialagunaresort.com

mama’s

TR AVEL N OTES Tech-free stays, relaxing hotspots and three top Portuguese hotels...

HIT REFRESH

KEEP IT TOGETHER

•Six Senses Samui•

•Alice Scott•

Looking to recharge? You might want to think of heading to Six Senses Samui this summer, as a range of holistic practitioners are leading workshops at the spa to guide you and your family on your journey to wellbeing. sixsenses.com

Never misplace anyone’s boarding pass again with this stylish travel document wallet from British stationery and gift brand, Alice Scott. It sure does conjure up images of exotic breaks. AED160; bloomingdales.com

3 IN THE ALGARVE Pensao Agricola (adults only)

The Magnolia Hotel

Anantara Vilamoura

Going child-free? A triumph of rustic minimalism, this converted farmhouse has three suites and surroundings of the most beautifully unspoilt tranquillity. Oh, and there’s a resident donkey, too. We love the serenity of the outlook and the minimalist design.

A fun, ’50s-inspired “motor hotel” design lends a quirky Palm Springs vibe to this Quinta do Lago establishment. It’s great for families, the young and the outgoing, plus Instagram fanatics, given the bright colours and sharp shapes of the architecture and décor.

It may be large, but this luxury hotel in Vilamoura – the first Anantara in Europe – boasts an intimate atmosphere and unparalleled service, as well as show-stopping architecture. A family holiday with all those refined grown-up touches you thought were gone forever...

pensaoagricola.com

themagnoliahotelqdl.com

vilamoura.anantara.com

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Nature

CALLS

The Year of Zayed means it’s the perfect time to explore the five-star hotels on Sir Bani Yas Island, which the late ruler and founder of the UAE turned into a fascinating haven for wildlife W o r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

YOU’RE IN THE HEART OF THE WILDLIFE PARK AT AL SAHEL VILLA RESORT

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millions of trees have been planted, and countless animal species – including giraffe, cheetah, hyena, oryx and ostrich – roam free.

They have the lay of their land, and experts work hard to make sure the park supports a thriving, natural ecosystem.

It’s not all flora and fauna, however.

Elsewhere on the island, you’ll also find three fabulous, five-star Anantara properties. There’s the fortress-style hotel, Desert Islands Resort & Spa, which overlooks the shimmering Arabian Gulf. Within the THE VIEW FROM YOUR PRIVATE heart of the nature park, Anantara Al Sahel VILLA AT ANANTARA AL YAMM Villa Resort boasts rustic lodges and a better opportunity to get close to the critters. For ir Bani Yas Island us, it’s in a private villa at stunning ecooffers a rare and friendly, beachside resort Anantara Al Yamm incredible adventure that we bed down for a weekend. for families.

The hotel is a destination in itself. Thirty Its name originates spacious villas sit beside the white sandy from the Bani Yas shores, boasting ocean and mangrove views. tribe who first The cluster is reminiscent of an old fishermen’s inhabited Abu Dhabi, village and, while this is unmistakably although the island a luxury beach stay, the rich culture and was actually formed heritage of the island, and the remnants of millions of years roaming wildlife, remain visible at every turn. before that. Human It’d be very easy to spend every waking settlers first stepped foot there several moment of your stay in your gorgeous, thousands of years ago (fun fact: the oldest beachfront villa, where luxurious amenities archaeological site on the island dates back are commonplace and floor-to-ceiling to 600AD), but it was only in 1971 that the late windows before your bed look out onto sand ruler and founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed that stretches for miles, and sea that never bin Sultan Al Nahyan, established Sir Bani seems to end. But the island also offers so Yas as a nature reserve. As this is the Year of much in the way of exciting activities and Zayed in the UAE, we thought it a fitting time family-friendly excursions. For instance, to re-visit this idyllic island. the two-hour Nature and Wildlife Drive Today, Sir Bani Yas is home to the – suitable for anyone over the age of one 4,100-hectare Arabian Wildlife Park, where – is not to be missed. You’ll embark on a 4X4 adventure with your friendly park ranger, who TAKE A DIP IN THE POOL AT will take you for a ride to DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA see the animals, fascinating geological formations and archaeological remains, plus introduce you to the island’s breeding programmes and conservation initiatives.

If you have older kids in tow (aged six and above), then we also highly recommend booking in a session of archery, a traditional Arabian sport.

An expert guide will offer useful tips and tricks for

S

~

“THIRTY SPACIOUS VILLAS SIT BESIDE THE WHITE SANDY SHORES, BOASTING OCEAN AND MANGROVE VIEWS”

~

AL SHAMS RESTAURANT SERVES MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

perfecting your aim, as you (safely) shoot at targets five to 20 metres away.

As for the food, each of the hotels also has distinct dining options, and, as a guest, you’re free to try them all. We book our spot at Al Sahel Villa Resort’s African boma (enclosure), an al fresco dining experience where a candelit buffet features South African specialties. The next evening, we dine by the sea at Al Yamm’s Italian restaurant Olio. Here, the hustle and bustle of the emirates feels like a distant memory.

Most staycation options in the UAE – or even the wider Gulf region – are great for families already living here. But this one is worth travelling to no matter where you’re based. As we said, it’s a rare and incredible experience. And, while you’re living so close, it’s one you’d be foolish to miss.

sirbaniyasisland.com; anantara.com June 201 8

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THE STUNNING GROUNDS OF THE FAIRMONT ROYAL PALM

Beyond

Marrakech Absolutely Mama discovers two different and desirably indulgent family destinations on the fringes of the Moroccan capital Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

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he famous orange light of Morocco is nowhere to be seen as we step off the plane in Menara Airport, Marrakech.

It is just barely spring when we arrive in the much-mythologised North African kingdom, yet the weather is already summer-hot and summer-dry.

The light is white and dazzling, the sky a cloudless blue gently paled by dust blown in from the high Sahara. But whatever winds are troubling the firmament leave little trace below: we descend the aircraft steps in a sublime stillness of pure heat.

The Fairmont Royal Palm, Marrakech is our first destination. Located 12km from the Red City’s famous medina, the Fairmont is a palace in both aspect and amenity. The long, low main building sits amid 231 hectares of gardens and golf course, all slender palms and lush fountain grass, and is built in the

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THE FAIRMONT’S BREATH-TAKING SPA

impossibly elegant Moroccan style with abundant French colonial touches.

It houses everything from an opulent, cavernous lobby (with towering gallery windows overlooking the estate) and stylish sushi bar to traditional French and Moroccan restaurants.

The many rooms and suites are mostly situated in smaller buildings of a similar style, ember-red and flame-orange in colour, ranged alongside and between the hotel’s other world-class facilities – a fully-equipped gym and sports centre, popular kids’ club and exquisite spa.

The gardens are carpeted with pink flowers and woven with paths perfect for evening strolls, while golf buggies are on hand to ferry guests to and from different parts of the hotel as required – handy when a weary threeyear-old refuses to walk back to your suite at the end of a long day splashing about in the swimming pool.

The pool! It deserves a special mention.

Seemingly half a mile long, criss-crossed by bridges of sun-bleached wood, surrounded on all sides by strings of well-attended loungers and delicate plantings, it’s as much a masterly visual flourish as a leisure resource. It’s also heated to 25-30°C – relatively rare in Morocco, and almost unheard of in the shaded riads of the Marrkech medina – which makes it ideal for younger children. You can swim (or wade – it’s not too deep) from the separate paddling pool at one end of the gardens to the café terrace at the other, taking in the sights as you go.

And we did so – for two entire days.

Our daughters took great delight in exploring the gardens by water, and we took delight in the lengthy naps they took thereafter, shaded from the afternoon sun by the spreading parasols while we ordered lunch directly to our loungers. With such luxurious facilities out of doors, you’d be forgiven for thinking we wouldn’t see much of our room – but, in fact, it became a sort of refuge in the evenings, especially when the little ones were too tired for us to trust their moods in the hotel’s restaurants.

Our family suite was huge, with a bath as large as most bathrooms, a walk-in shower that could easily hold six people, a walkin wardrobe even larger, plus a spacious bedroom, private sitting room and two A PENTHOUSE WITH A DIFFERENCE separate (but linked) terraces. It also came with every bit of baby kit you could wish for, from a bottle-warmer and steriliser to potties and baby baths.

Even better, each day a friendly member of staff would trill “Bonjour!” outside our door before bringing in a tray of treats for the kids – a vital extra service when the snacks you brought with you were

PRINCES VILLA

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“ T H E R OOM CA M E W I T H EV E RY B I T OF BA BY KI T YOU COU L D W I S H F OR , F R OM A B OT T L EWA R M E R TO A BA BY BAT H ”

all devoured on the fl ight.

We dined in our room one night and at the Moroccan Al Aïn restaurant the next; the latter is an essential experience, with beautiful Berber-themed dishes accompanied by traditional songs from local musicians. Our youngest stood mesmerised in front of the players as the sun dipped and the dusty skies turned rose and red and orange at the horizon.

And suddenly, there it was: the orange light of Morocco, in full effect.

It was a fitting tribute to the Fairmont’s crowning achievement, which is the reframing of traditional Moroccan culture and style in an incredibly luxurious setting. It’s also a great reflection of the hotel’s suitability for families – its scale, amenities and impeccable service mean you can take the kids without worrying they’ll have an undue impact on other guests. In fact, a good half of our fellow visitors had children with them, and many seemed to take advantage of the kids’ club, which is open from morning to night (11pm!) and offers dedicated babysitters as well as a programme of activities.

By the end of our short trip, we’d had our eyes opened to the singular seductiveness of Morocco. Thus inspired, we continued to our next stop...

~

fairmont.com/marrakech June 201 8

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Gateway To The Atlas

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t’s a straight road from Marrakech to the foothills of the High Atlas, the mountain range that bisects Morocco’s heartlands.

As we leave the capital and drive towards the Ourika Valley, the blazing sun of our first few days gives way to more typical springtime weather: warm, breezy, skies fleet with cloud.

We are headed for Bab Adrar, a private estate set beside the main road just over halfway between the mountains and the metropolis – home to a collection of luxurious villas created by a British property developer and his designer wife, in concert with one of Morocco’s best-regarded architects.

The estate, when we reach it, could not be more discreet. Our driver turns off the tarmac and onto a narrow track marked by a single signpost. We pass fields of sheep and scrub grass before arriving at a high-walled compound with imposing wooden gates. A guard waves us through with a smile.

And suddenly we’re in something close to a utopia.

DAR ZITOUNA’S POOL CAN BE HEATED FOR TODDLERS

THE MASTER BEDROOM

SUNSET VIEWING AT VILLA DAR ZITOUNA

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THE VIEW FROM THE VILLA TERRACE

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“ T H I S I S ON E O F T H E G R E AT ST R E N GT H S OF DAR Z I TO U N A – I T OF F E RS T H E P R I VACY, F LE X I BI LI T Y A N D S PAC E OF YOUR OW N P R I VAT E VI LLA W I T H FEW O F T H E ASSO C I AT E D R ESP ON SI B I L I T I ES”

~

The villas of Bab Adrar are strung along a single drive. Their walls, overhung with flowering bougainvillea, footed with cactus and more of that dusky fountain grass, add to the privacy. Our destination is Dar Zitouna, situated at the far end of the estate, with a sweeping gravel driveway that offers a tantalising fi rst look at the house – all rich orange plaster and monolithic Moroccan geometry – and its encircling gardens.

Waiting for us at the door are the staff who will look after us during our stay: Nadia, our housekeeper; Zaira, our cook; and Aisha, our maid. They glow with welcome, fussing over the children and making us feel instantly at home. Th is is one of the great strengths of Dar Zitouna:

it offers the privacy, flexibility and space of your own private villa with few of the associated responsibilities. No cleaning, no making beds, no shopping for food at local supermarkets and sweating over a hot stove.

The staff live on-site and are on-hand to help with anything. The house manager, Mustapha, is similarly friendly and only ever a WhatsApp message away – he handled all our requests, from booking taxis and transfers to printing boarding passes for the fl ight home, and did so with maximum courtesy and efficiency. Which left us to enjoy the house and its gardens to the full.

The house has five beautiful bedrooms equipped with the plushest, comfiest beds,

large bathrooms with walk-in showers and plenty of space for kids to play. The décor is homely but very high-end, styled for tasteful luxury with plentiful nods to Morocco’s history and traditions. Yves Saint Laurent lithographs and photos of the Rolling Stones in Marrakech adorn the walls, while Berber rugs warm the stone floors. There are fi replaces in the reception rooms – lit each evening during our stay for cosiness – and most of the bedrooms feature French doors opening onto garden terraces. A traditional central courtyard offers a peaceful space alive with the sound of running water from a wall fountain; from here, steps lead up to a large roof terrace where both covered and open sitting areas command astonishing views across open countryside and the High Atlas beyond.

The garden, meanwhile, is huge, a perfect lawn surrounded by rock gardens and decorative planting, through which run gravel paths scented by spring blooms and herb borders. A pétanque pit and pergola sit at the far end beneath three immense palms, while off to one side is the swimming pool – bounded by fragrant rosemary hedges, gated for additional peace of mind, with plentiful loungers and June 201 8

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Villa Bastide des Virettes, South of France

JUMP INTO SUMMER

ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Our beautiful catered villas in Mallorca and the South of France come with a private pool and experienced Scott Dunn staff. Your private chef will prepare mouth-watering menus, with ingredients sourced from local markets, while your host will take care of everything from bringing you fresh sorbets by the pool, to advising you on the local highlights.

For little ones, we offer fantastic private nannies that will look after children from 4 months old.

They tailor activities around their needs, interests and routine while always ensuring the fun factor.

To start planning your luxury family holiday, visit scottdunn.com or call on 0208 682 5000

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THREE MORE TO TRY

K asbah Bab Ourik a

This popular small resort in the Atlas foothills is open to visitors for lunch and dinner. Kids will enjoy exploring the formal gardens and the food is great. ka sbahbabourika .com

EAT, DRINK AND STAY COMFY AT DAR ZITOUNA

a wild tortoise ambled across the optional heating – a must for lawn one afternoon, oblivious anyone with tinies in tow. to our presence yards away.

Everything is truly taken A pleasantly tranquil care of – and made more encounter, and a sign of so by the knowledge EVERY THING I S T RULY the ways in which the that you can spend Bab Adrar estate has your entire time TAKEN CARE OF – AN D been constructed actively enjoying it.

M ADE M ORE SO BY in sympathy Want a cool THE KNOWLED G E T H AT with, rather than drink, or lunch by YOU CAN SPE N D YOUR opposition to, the the pool? Nadia ENTIRE TIM E AC T I VE LY local environment. and her team are Even more on-hand to help.

ENJOY IN G I T pleasingly – thanks Fancy coffee on one of to the attentive care of the garden terraces? Or Nadia, Zaira and Aisha dinner on the roof? Not a – we were able to take a problem. lead from our reptilian visitor, The food is superb – you simply spending our days at a slow, sunstruck choose from a menu of options 24 hours pace, relaxing on the grass or by the pool. in advance and the staff take care of the rest.

Dinner was accompanied by the crackling Breakfast is included, while lunch and dinner of fi res in the hearth (we mentioned more are charged as extras (as is pool heating, than once that this would be a fi ne place to house beverages and soft drinks). Prices, spend a cosy winter night), while most of however, are very reasonable – and the free our evenings ended on the roof, watching time and relaxation you get in return are the sun sink behind the blueing mountains obviously priceless.

Our girls loved kicking balls around the – and in no hurry whatsoever to take that garden, playing with the pool inflatables and straight road back to Marrakech. receiving a visit from a local camel (helpfully arranged by Mustapha, though we eventually decided they were a little young for an actual ride). Another undoubted highlight was when marrakechholidayvillas.com

~

A g a fay D e s e r t

Glamping, camel-trekking and quad biking are just some of the different ways to explore this desert, 45 minutes southwest of Marrakech. scarabeocamp .com

~

E s sao u i r a

This port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a couple of hours from Marrakech, catches the trade winds – and offers opportunities for kite-surfing, surfing and other water sports.

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TO P BA BY B U YS p . 8 9 • A S K T H E E X P E R T S p . 9 0 • T H E UA E ’ S N U R S E R I E S p . 9 6

Me m b e r s only FAMILYPASS

This new membership platform allows year-round access to eight attractions, including Wild Wadi (pictured), Adventure Zone by Adventure HQ and Dubai Parks & Resorts. The average cost is AED999 per month for four people, and you’ll also get exclusive discounts on food and drinks, retail and more.

Weekly passes are also available – perfect for when visitors are over. familypass.ae

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essentials

SHOPPING

Travel Kit CLEVAMAMA

Keep your bedtime routine consistent with the help of ClevaMama’s multi-use travel cot mattress. The ClevaFoam 3 in 1 Travel Cot can be used on the floor or inside your current travel cot, as a portable play mat, and even converts into a sofa for your toddler. It’s easily transportable and comes with its own travel bag, too. AED250; clevamama.com

TOT GEA R

Star Buy LITTLE SAPLING

Top-notch baby kit designed to make parenting easier

Teething troubles? Grab one of these darling teethers made in the US from hardrock maple, a non-splintering and naturally anti-bacterial wood.

They’re non-allergenic, non-toxic and sustainable. And, for every toy sold, a tree is planted. AED40; gigglesanddimples.me

APP HAPPY MOSHI T WILIGHT

Designed to help little ones (aged four and up) drift off, this app offers a mix of storytelling and song, with 22 melodic tales combining narrative, soothing soundscapes and dreamlike images to encourage sleep.

Free; moshi-twilight.com

BUGABOO FOX The next-generation stroller on the market

T

he Bugaboo Fox was three years in the making and, during the development process, the team behind it tapped into 20 years of design knowledge, experience and consumer feedback to create the next-generation Bugaboo stroller.

But what makes it different from any other stroller on the market?

Marco Nieuwenhuizen, the senior product developer, explains: “A big innovation and design leap for us has been creating a pushchair in which all play is removed from the frame. This has been achieved by adding suspension to the central joint, making it easier for the parent to manoeuvre the pushchair without sacrificing on comfort for themselves or their child. Another notable development is that it’s a very strong and sturdy pushchair, but only weighs 9.9kg.”

In order to achieve that, the team used the same technologies in the aluminum tubing as in marine and aviation applications. And that’s not all: they’ve also made sure it’s comfy for baby, easy to use for parents, and you have the option to incorporate ecoconscious materials. It’s an all-round winner, then. justkidding-me.com

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Nour AL HASSAN The female founder and CEO of Ureed, an on-demand tool that creates jobs for the freelance workforce, offers tips on how to maintain a successful freelance career. ureed.com

Q What does it take to be a successful, profitable freelancer in today’s flexible working world?

A Today’s gig economy encourages temporary, flexible roles, whereby companies hire independent contractors and freelancers instead of the traditional full-time employment model. This is not only beneficial for businesses but also for anyone who wants to be a freelancer. Having a side hustle is now becoming the norm, where you can make extra money and work on passion projects alongside your day job. Here are five tips on how to make that happen...

Make a to-do list and stick to it

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

&

A

Parenting professionals and leading entrepreneurs answer some of your most pressing questions

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 This is great advice for everyone but even more important for freelancers.

Cross off your list items and feel that great sense of satisfaction, and keep making new lists throughout the day. At the end of each week, you can see everything you’ve delivered and make sure things don’t fall through the cracks.

Create a daily schedule  This is important for every job, but even more so when working on a freelance business. Creating a daily schedule makes your side hustle or passion project profitable. You should always set a start time and try to stick to it. It’s very easy to get side-tracked, which is why the art of timekeeping is a crucial tool for all freelancers.

Setting a time to start and end your work day will help you stay focused and also switch off in the evening.

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essentia ls ADVICE

Chunk work together  Often make your video edits in the morning and then chunk all your writing together in order to go with the flow and concentrate on similar tasks. This process makes you more productive and effective at your work.

Organisation is key  Following on tip number two – organisation will ensure things don’t slip through the cracks. Whether you’re organising your diary, inbox or to-do list, the process will make sure things run smoother each day.

Keep track of your finances and save  One of the things that attracts people to a freelance lifestyle is the knowledge that no one day is the same as another. This means you need to keep track of your finances and save for the rainy days.

You don’t have to quit your day job  Many of the Ureed freelancers use the website to supplement their income. So, before jumping in, why not freelance on the side instead of full-time? Often, you’ll find your day job will provide opportunities to meet new people and meet future clients. This is assuming your side job is approved by your boss, of course. However, if you want to test the waters, try to freelance in order to supplement your current income as it would be the perfect way to work on a “passion project” without giving up the security of a full-time role.

Dr Rania Ayat

HAWAYEK

Dr Rania is a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, as well as a Specialist Paediatrician at Infinity The Family Medicine Clinic in Dubai, and she was recently involved in an event by Dyson that addressed hazardous pollutants found in homes here. ihcdubai.com Q What can parents do to minimise the number of air pollutants at home?

A Indoor air pollutants, such as dust and mould spores, are known triggers for inhalant allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. They can carry with them viruses and bacteria that further add to the clinical picture.

Air pollutants lead to inflammation of nasal tissues, followed by swelling and increased mucus production.

Therefore, minimising these pollutants or allergens can have a

major impact on the reduction of common symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, eye and nose irritation, and others.

One of the most important treatment approaches I discuss with my patients revolves around reducing the dust in their child’s environment, especially in the bedroom. This can be done by getting rid of thick-pile wall-to-wall carpets and replacing them with thin, hypoallergenic rugs. Also replacing any feather bedding like pillows and quilts with a synthetic hypoallergenic counterpart is essential. Regular cleaning and airing of mattresses also reduces the presence of dust and dust mites.

Sheets need to be changed at least once a week. The room should be dusted and vacuumed regularly.

Air-conditioning systems need to be maintained on a regular basis to reduce the build of dust and mould in the ducts.

By reducing these air pollutants in their home, parents can help improve their children’s symptoms of nasal and respiratory allergies.

“CREATING A DAILY SCHEDULE MAKES YOUR SIDE HUSTLE OR PASSION PROJECT PROFITABLE” June 201 8

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WE FIND THE SCHOOL THAT FITS FIND THE SCHOOL THAT WE WE FIND THE SCHOOL THAT FITSFITS

www.gabbitas.ae NURSERY & SCHOOL SEARCH UNIVERSITY, HIGHER EDUCATION & CAREERS ADVICE

www.gabbitas.ae www.gabbitas.ae

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES NURSERY & SCHOOL SEARCH NURSERY & SCHOOL SEARCH & GUARDIANSHIP

+971 445 16933 | admin@gabbitas.ae UNIVERSITY, HIGHER EDUCATION UNIVERSITY, HIGHER EDUCATION & & CAREERS ADVICE CAREERS ADVICE Gabbitas Educational Consultants is registered in England No. 2920466. Part of The Prospects Group.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES & GUARDIANSHIP & GUARDIANSHIP +971 445 16933 | admin@gabbitas.ae +971 445 16933 | admin@gabbitas.ae Gabbitas Educational Gabbitas Educational in England ConsultantsConsultants No.Part 2920466. is registeredisinregistered of TheGroup.

England No. Prospects Group.

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be an option for many. As doulas, we tend to fi ll that void, as we present with a maternal approach that makes a woman feel safe and relaxed. As women, this plays a huge role in the benefits of our support, because we know that when we come together in difficult times or in times of need, amazing things can happen. It’s that wonderful female energy that fi lls the room that helps a birthing woman to be more calm and focused.

Doulas are also birth professionals, which means they know quite a lot about the process of labour and childbirth, interventions, comfort measures, birthing positions, etc.

Th is means they can help facilitate communication between parents and their medical provider.

Dads are a great support.

And we always encourage active involvement from dad during labour, and we Have you got a burning question about can guide them prenatally anything to do with being a mama in the and during labour itself.

UAE? Just send an email to our editor at But dads also need to rest katy@zest-media.com, and we’ll sometimes, should the get a highly qualified expert to labour take a while. Having answer it for you. a doula can take that pressure off a dad to be a constant physical support to a woman 24-hour support to mum, and and her partner before, during so working as a team is great for and after childbirth. A doula everyone involved. believes in “mothering the mother”.

She enables a woman and her partner to have the most satisfying birth experience possible, from pregnancy and into motherhood. Th is type of support allows the whole family to

Ask us anything!

Shereen ZARROUG Eleonora FORNELLI

The pair behind Belly Baby Mom, the first licensed doula agency in the UAE, explain why mothers need more support during the birth. bellybabymom.com Q I plan to have my husband with me when giving birth. Why would I need a doula?

A The word “doula” – pronounced “doo-la” – is a Greek word meaning “woman servant or caregiver”.

Today, it refers to someone who offers emotional, informational and

“A DOULA ENABLES A WOMAN AND HER PARTNER TO HAVE THE MOST SATISFYING BIRTH EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE” relax and enjoy the experience, too.

Being in Dubai, the majority of birthing couples are expats, who are away from their closest family and friends, and so having their mothers beside them during labour may not June 201 8

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Girl POWER In a society that’s stepping closer to total gender equality and women empowerment, what role do educators play?

Wo r d s C H R I S T I N E WO O D S

T

he empowerment of women begins when they’d more accurately be described as “girls” – during the crucial, formative years of education when knowledge is imparted, soft skills are nurtured, and girls start on their life path.

With their focus fixed solely on the futures of young women, girls-only schools have a particularly influential role to play in empowering our next generation of females.

But, how, exactly? Christine Wood, Principal at Aldar Academies Al Mamoura Academy, an Abu Dhabi-based co-ed primary and girls-only secondary school, explains more...

Tearing down gender roles

I

t’s relatively easy to identify gender roles in society, but within the girls-only classroom, they don’t exist. Girls are free to assume and grow in every role available to them – budding scientist, star footballer, master computer programmer – free from the pressures of gender conformity. The freedom

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“SOME GIRLS WILL FEEL MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE BEI NG VOCAL AND COLLABORATING WITH PEERS”

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and willingness to make these decisions, unbiased by external pressure, carries through to later life when girls must decide which university degree to study and career to pursue.

Empowered with choice

T

he “anything is possible” mentality encouraged at singlegender schools prompts many girls to shrug off self-imposed limitations and pursue the career they’re

most passionate about – not the one they believe they should follow. Studies have shown that students of girls-only schools are more likely to favour a career related to the STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) than their co-ed peers, which are all stereotypically “boys’” subjects.

However, in the MEA region, choice also means respecting and supporting the influence of local culture on girls’ futures. This is particularly true at a school like Al Mamoura Academy, which teaches an international pathway – the English National Curriculum – and opens the door to the leading universities anywhere in the world.

Empowerment therefore requires girls to learn about the traditional role of a mother and a wife in local culture. Schools in the capital have made this happen by adopting ADEK’s (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) My Identity programme, which is designed to promote Emirati national identity and values among local and expat students. The programme broadens a girl’s knowledge of the world around her, presenting her with more opportunities, and therefore giving her more

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essentials EDUCATION

A CLASS AT AL MAMOURA ACADEMY, ABU DHABI

GIRLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GAIN STEAM SKILLS

choices when deciding what direction her life will take.

Confidence, multiplied

A

longside choice, the singlegender environment encourages girls to take centre stage in their education, free from the influence of boys’ sometimes more outgoing personalities. As a result, some girls will feel much more comfortable being vocal and collaborating with peers, which builds confidence and self-esteem from a young age. These are two of the most empowering skills a girl can carry into her university studies and career. They’ll prompt her

to continue collaborating and forming strong professional relationships with influential individuals, while having the confidence to take calculated risks.

Such traits are important for any leader to possess, and this is something we actively encourage at Al Mamoura Academy through activities like Model United Nations. By participating in the event, girls are taught about diplomacy, negotiation, and critical thinking, as they apply them to a simulated UN General Assembly.

The empowering force of education – no matter your age – is undeniable. But, for some young women, earning a quality education in a girls-only environment provides a catalyst to success that no other learning option can match.

CHRISTINE WOODS Principal Aldar Academies Al Mamoura Academy

June 201 8

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Kids Academy Street No. 27, Al Mushrif 02 441 1991

to know Mama’s guide to top nurseries and preschools in the UAE

A BU D H ABI Apple Bee Nursery Villa 22, Hazaa Bin Zayed Street, Al Rawdah Area 02 443 4747 Blooming Buds Nursery Between Khlaleej Al Arabi Street (30th) and 32nd Street, Intersecting at Al Saada Street (19th) 02 491 8068 Bright Beginnings Nursery Al Ayay Street, Near to Al Muhairi Mosque, Mehairba 02 445 5339

Bright Beginnings Nursery Al Mushrif 02 449 2840 Bright Beginnings Nursery NYU Abu Dhabi, B2 Building 02 628 4816 British Orchard Nursery Villa 2, Al Ladeem Street, Al Nahyan Camp 02 443 9892 British Orchard Nursery Al Falah Street, Al Bateen 02 622 2903

Children’s House Montessori Casa 7, Street 23, Khalifa City 02 444 1150 Early World Nursery Near Hazza bin Zayed Street, and One to One Hotel – The Village, earlyworldnursery.com 02 643 8867 Falcon British Nursery 200 Saif Ghobash Street, Zayed Sports City 02 444 8814 Greenopia Eco Preschool Villa 5, Al Rowdah – Karamah Street, Opposite Umm Al Emarat Park 02 679 8887 Hummingbird Nursery Amaya Towers, Al Reem Island 02 671 7701 Humpty Dumpty Nursery Street 11, Al Bateen 02 666 3277 Humpty Dumpty Nursery Street 16, Khalifa City 02 556 1068 Kids Academy 17th Street, Khalifa City A 02 557 7636

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Kids Academy Al Khaleej Al Arabi St. Al Bateen 02 446 6484 Kipinä 13 Al Mirzam Street, Al Bateen 800 547462 Kipinä 84, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Mushrif 800 547462 Ladybird Nursery Villa 18, 4th Street, Al Zaabi Area 02 667 3881 Mindchamps Nursery Bloom Gardens, Al Muntazah 02 610 9666 Odyssey Nursery Street 20, Plot 41, Khalifa City A 02 665 5994 Redwood Montessori Nursery Street 38, Khalifa City A 02 556 4611 Redwood Montessori Nursery Abu Al Abyad Street, Gate A, Villa 21, Al Bateen 02 667 3741 Redwood Montessori Nursery Saadiyat Island 02 643 2888 Step by Step Nursery Villa 11 & 13, Al Huwelat Street, Al Bateen 02 665 3331 Stepping Stones Nursery Villa 22, Mileih Street, Al Bateen 02 681 5583

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essentials DIRECTORY

Crystal Valley Nursery Arabian Center, Khawaneej Road, Al Mizhar 04 284 5519

Jebel Ali Village Nursery Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Al Qudra Road, Near Arabian Ranches 04 368 9882

Emerald City Nursery 21st street, Jumeirah 2 04 349 0848

Jebel Ali Village Nursery Discovery Pavillion Mall, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan 04 551 6335

Stepping Stones Nursery Villa 3, 3rd Street, Abu Dhabi Gate City 02 558 8318

Blossom Marina Nursery Beauport Tower, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina 04 422 1068

Golden Gate Nursery Building 27, 6B Street Umm Al Sheif-367 04 321 6069

Stepping Stones Nursery 26th Street, Khalifa City A 02 556 5991

Blossom Mudon Nursery Al Salam Town Center, Mudon 04 551 9330

Stepping Stones Nursery Villa 37, Street 12, Sector 40 Muroor 02 443 4430

Blossom Village Nursery Villa 43, Street Al Ragay, Umm Suqeim 1 04 394 8837

Homegrown Children’s Eco Nursery Street 33, Al Safa 2 04 321 8333

The Windsor Early Years Nursery Street 23, Khalifa City A 02 557 9295 White Fields Nursery Villa 4, Corner of Delma Street, 32nd Street, Al Bateen 02 666 0826

D U BA I Blossom Burj Nursery Villa 37 Street 10A, Umm Al Sheif 04 348 6275 Blossom Downtown Nursery Yansoon 7, Al Manzil District, Downtown Dubai 04 448 7661 Blossom Early Learning Centre Block 12, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai-Al Ain Road 04 421 4458

British Orchard Nursery Villa 20A, Street 33, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai 04 398 3536 British Orchard Nursery Villa 35, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 1 04 395 3570 British Orchard Nursery Opposite Choithrams, Dubai Silicon Oasis 04 388 6602 British Orchard Nursery Business Central Towers, Dubai Media City 04 438 5255 British Orchard Nursery Shams 2 Plaza Level Jumeirah Beach Residence 04 447 5881 CreaKids The Sustainable City 04 240 6728 CreaKids Egypt Court, Ibn Battuta Mall 04 368 4130

Hummingbird Nursery Precinct Building 5, DIFC 04 370 0449 Hummingbird Nursery Limestone House, DIFC 04 379 9800 Hummingbird Nursery Building 7, Bay Square 04 552 1909 Indigo Valley Nursery 13A Street, Al Twar 2 04 263 3544 Jebel Ali Village Nursery Honsho Street, Motor City 04 422 1415 Jebel Ali Village Nursery Lakes Club House, Emirates Living 04 454 8404 Jebel Ali Village Nursery Al Bahar Tower 1, Jumeirah Beach Residence 04 424 3791 Jebel Ali Village Nursery Al Furjan South, Al Furjan Pavilion, Meadows Village 04 420 8267

Kids Cottage Nursery Al Heeba Street, Umm Suqeim 04 394 2145 Ladybird Nursery Villa 8 & 10, Street 25A, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1 04 344 1011 Ladybird Nursery District 12, Street 26, Jumeirah Village Circle 04 553 9900 Redwood Montessori Nursery Mezzanine Floor, Building 8, Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah 04 248 5854 The Wonder Years Nursery Motor City, Dubai Sports City 04 368 5600 Toddler Town British Nursery Amwaj 5 Plaza Level, Dubai Marina 04 452 8080 Toddler Town British Nursery Villa 20, 21st Street, Al Safa (Al Manara), Jumeirah 04 388 2999 Willow Children’s Nursery Al Wasl Road 050 472 5890 Yellow Brick Road Nursery Street 31 A, Al Garhoud, Across the road from Irish Village 04 282 8290

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m am a

GOODBYE

Last Word

The UAE and Me

Absolutely Mama meets the 28-year-old Abu Dhabi-based mum-of-one, Samriddhi Bajpai Shukla SAMRIDDHI AND CO LIVE IN ABU DHABI

Q What is it that you and your family love about the UAE? A Th is country is very family-friendly and safe. Everywhere we go out it’s always welcoming for children; all the parks are designed age-appropriately, most of the vaccinations are covered under insurance for babies, and our child’s safety is taken care

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“ WE’ VE BE EN I N T H E UAE FOR T H R EE YEA RS N OW AND I T DOES N’ T FEEL L IK E W E’R E O UT OF PL AC E”

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of by the government.

There are more than enough family-oriented programmes on every weekend.

We’ve been in the UAE for three years now and it doesn’t feel like we’re out of place. Th is country is our second home, which has enabled us to live the days of our lives. Being here I could actually choose to raise my kid myself during his formative years.

THEXXX PIECES REPRESENT XXXXXX XX XX XXX 'TRADITIONAL TIMELESS XXXXX XXXX XXX FASHION'

BABY SAMARTH AKA NABH

sometimes, for somewhere pocket-friendly, Dragon Mart.

I fi nd my son comfortable clothing in H&M Kids, Baby Gap and Babyshop.

Recently I liked two pairs of shoes I bought for my son from Zippy.

THE FAMILY POSING

BY THE CORNICHE

Q Where do you like to eat out as a family?

A We are vegetarians by choice and I keep on hunting for new places to dine out. In Dubai we love to go to AB’s Absolute Barbecues and in Abu Dhabi (we shifted here three months back) I love The Yellow Chilli and India Palace. There are a lot of places on my wish list though.

Q What do you all like to do together on the weekends?

A Weekends are family days for us. We usually take our son out to child-friendly places, including parks, the zoo, the corniche, the water park, beaches and play areas nearby like Orange Wheels.

Q Where is your favourite place to shop for your son?

A My favourite toy stores in the UAE are Toys “R” Us, Early Learning Centre and,

S A M R I D D H I B A J PA I S H U K L A Age: 28 Nationality: Indian Occupation: Former healthcare professional, currently a stay-at-home mother by choice Kids: One-year-old baby boy called Samarth aka Nabh Lives: Abu Dhabi

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