Tag Archives: Best mummy blogger Dubai

Children's Products

Caramel and Sun | Coffee with Olivia Corsi | A trip down memory lane, a sweet boutique for children

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Olivia Corsi is the creator of the sweet little shop in the Mercato Mall, Caramel & Sun, a showcase of great items to purchase for boys, girls and babies under the age of 7 years.  If you are stuck this Christmas before the weekend, it is worthwhile to pick up a few gems from Olivia’s store.  We sit down with Olivia who is from Paris who moved to Dubai back in October 2007, and gave birth to her two beautiful daughters here. The items displayed in her shop do give a modern update on toys we, as mums, grew up with.  For me, it is the sweet lifestyle displays, full of memories of my childhood mixed with that of my children that appeals to me.

What inspired you to start Caramel and Sun?

I used to be a marketing manager for a luxury group and I’m a mum of two little girls. I was lucky to be brought up in a creative environment that developed my passion for design. In 2013, when Stella was born, I realized that I would be unable to recreate for her the same kind of inspiring universe that my mum had created for me as a child that would allow her to develop her personality and creativity. I was unable to find the products I was craving here. There was a definite lack of trendy, contemporary, unique children’s furniture.

It is great that 80% of your products comes in internationally to give us mums more choice, whilst 20% comes from locally created products to support business here too? Can you tell us more about your 5 favorite products that you import and why?

#Pineapple light from Goodnight Light – Light is important to consider to help your kids to fall asleep and calm them down. It reassures them! Try to create a soft atmosphere with a night light. The soft glow kept them company amidst fears of monsters in the closet! Nightlights aren’t just for kids either, new moms need a little help getting to baby in a darkened room and can help provide a little soothing glow during late night feedings.

#Tepees from Nobodinoz – A little house to hide, play Indians vs cowboys, take a rest or read a book. Of realistic dimensions, this teepee can shelter up three children. Unique touch of color that makes it join perfectly all the types of rooms.

#Skateboard shelves from Lecons de Choses – they are simply the most creative shelve for a kid’s room

#Animal trophy from Cardboard Safari – it gives such a great twist to your kid’s room and even for your living room!

#Desk and chair from Les Gambettes – it remains me my childhood with all this furniture in Formica

#And one more! cabinet from This is Dutch – fresh, colorful and trendy cabinet for babies. You won’t see them anywhere else!

Christmas is just around the corner; can you tell us which 5 items would be great for children between 3 – 5 years old?

#Sonny Angels figurines

#Pencils from Studio Skinky

#Lights from La Tete dans le Bocal – La Tête dans le Bocalis a very young kids interior design brand. It’s how to preserve the toys of your kid’s childhood in a beautiful way. So they put them into a “Le Parfait” jar, that is itself customized with a socket and a lovely electrical cord, and made a fun and original lamp that we just love!

#From the OMYgiant coloring set to the OMY educational toys, all items of kid’s room decoration or children’s toys will transform your kid’s bedroom into a great place to experiment.

#Nobodinoz Bowling set

Which are your children’s 3 favourite play areas?

I love to have a stroll at The Beach JBR; my husband being half Greek, we love to stop at Eat Greek for a frappe – or a day at Kite surf beach with a cheeky burger at Salt for lunch! We discovered few weeks ago they now have a bounce area for kids. Leaving in the Lakes, we hang out most of the time at the Reform and Lakes Club during the weekend where we can have a family dip in the pool and enjoy a nice meal

Is there something that you are very strict about when it comes to your children?

Teaching them how to say thank you and be grateful. A simple smile can open you so many doors in life!

 Can you list your children’s three favourite bedtime stories?

While my husband is teaching the girls English, I am the one speaking French at home. Stella loves Tchoupi, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears and of course Peppa Pig!

I am personally the Walt Disney generation and I made discover Stella few weeks ago Bambi which was my favourite!

Your favourite idea of a date night?

I am afraid I won’t be very original but I must say I simply LOVE La petite Maison

For more information check out www.caramelandsun.com  located in Mercato Mall in Jumeirah Beach Road.

Parenthood

Motherhood | Party Camel | We talk to owner and mum of 2 Aisha Leitner about her new booming stylish party website for children, Christmas, christenings, weddings and much more.

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Aisha Leitner is the stylish mum of two beautiful children, Aliyah aged 6 and Kian aged 5.  She is originally from Kashmir but moved to the UK at 16.  After completing her studies in the UK she preferred to move away from the rain to warmer climates.  In 2001, she moved to Dubai to work with Emirates Airlines working in the HR team, and travelling the world was a dream come true.  After meeting her German husband, they decided to choose Dubai as the place to raise the children, and set up a business known as Party Camel, a brilliant ones-stop stylish party shop with items from brands also known to be stocked in famous stores like Harrods, London.  She has certainly inspired me to put together better parties for the children, Christmas and Easter.

Which area of Dubai do you live? 

The Lakes. We have recently moved here and lived at the Shangri-La hotel residence for more than 10 years prior.  We are loving the “suburban” life as my husband likes to call it. The Lakes is a great community, ideal for families with small children as all facilities are available including after school activities and we love biking everywhere.

Which curriculum did you choose for your children? 

After much consideration we opted for Dubai International Academy. It was a tough choice between this school and Kings Umm Suqiem. We decided on the IB curriculum for our children after much deliberation and we love the school they are at. It’s  very multi-cultural, they get to study German as part of the curriculum (my husband is german) and the best bit is, they get to walk to school. Which I am delighted about.

How do you juggle being a mum of two and managing your own business?

With great difficulty, I really struggle to find a balance between work, spending time with my kids, my husband and my friends. (Me time doesn’t exist anymore) But im getting better, organization is the key I find and starting the day really early.

What inspired you to create Party Camel?

My kids, I love planning parties for them and trying to make their birthdays as special as I can. I always struggled to find stylish partyware and accessories in Dubai. In the end I decided to stop complaining and open a party shop, and ive been loving every minute of it.

What kind of services does Party Camel offer if let’s say I wanted to plan something for my 5-year old daughter?

We aim to be a one-stop party shop for all your needs. We offer of course all the partyware from cups, plates, napkins, decorations and party bags and more. All in one place, and you can order form the convenience of your sofa, we deliver the next day within the UAE. In addition we can do personalized party printables, and recommend awesome vendors where you can book a birthday cake, entertainers, catering and photographers.

What 5 tips would you give to a mum planning their child’s birthday?

Get organized at least one month before the party.

Choose a theme with the birthday child, it helps tie everything together.

Personalised party printables really do add the finishing touches to any party and make the birthday child feel extra special.

Hire a photographer if your budget allows or ask a friend to take pictures, as precious memories. This then means you are not running around trying to take pictures yourself but can rather relax and enjoy the party.

Finally invest in a good cake, either your time in making one or money buying one. Cake is important, do try to have your cake and eat it on the day. And most of all enjoy the whole process.

For more information please head to Party Camel to order for your next party.

Travel

Five Luxury Holidays for Families over the UAE National Day Holidays | Lightfoot Travel Dubai

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For families looking to travel during the upcoming UAE National Day Holidays, our friends at tailor-made travel company, Lightfoot Travel, have picked their top five luxury destinations that are fantastic for families and parents alike!

#Maldives

The Maldives is best known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and plethora of luxury hotels – each on its own private island no less (the best ones anyway)! There are activities for kids of all ages available from the moment you step out of your beach or overwater villa – snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, dolphin cruises and fishing, and many properties have their own diving schools for older kids who want to learn to scuba dive. Maldives hotels are also known for their phenomenal Kid’s Clubs, with many having specific facilities for both younger children and teens.

Where to stay: One&Only Reethi Rah

A property with some of the most beautiful villas in the Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah is also known for its family friendliness. There’s a dedicated KidsOnly Club (ages 4 and up) with its own pool, clubhouse and plenty of outdoor activities such as treasure hunts and sports. Older kids can keep busy with a separate roster of activities such as tennis and swimming lessons, sushi-making classes and lifeguarding lessons. Reethi Rah is also a large hotel, giving families ample dining choices and plenty of space to explore, with none of that stuck-on-an-island feeling.

#Sri Lanka

For such a little country, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka sure packs a big punch when it comes to diversity – from the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle and wildlife-rich safari parks, to colonial hill stations and golden beaches. Properties range from big brand hotels and beachfront resorts to private luxury villas and charming boutique accommodation – there is something to fit everyone! Travelling within Sri Lanka is safe and convenient, there are none of the food safety scares that are widespread in neighbouring India, and Sri Lankans are exceptionally warm, welcoming and love children.

Where to stay: Taylors Hill and Last House

Taylors Hill is a lovely five-room boutique hotel in Sri Lanka’s tea region. Two of the rooms can accommodate extra beds for families with young children, and the chef will happily adapt meals for young palates. There’s an infinity-edge swimming pool with views over the hills, tennis and badminton courts, croquet lawn and a children’s playroom. Sister property, Last House, is a six-bedroom seaside escape set on two acres of grassy lawn that is perfect for picnics and games. The Cinnamon Suite is particularly well suited for families with a large double bedroom upstairs, and two twin bedrooms downstairs for the little ones. Lightfoot Travel has a special Family Offer for combined stays at these two properties during the National Day break. This includes Stay 3 Pay 2 at Taylors Hill with a family lunch on the house, followed by a complimentary cooking class or head massage with three nights spent at The Last House.

#Kenya

With majestic animals, sweeping grasslands, vibrant culture and first-rate lodges and camps, Kenya gives you a safari experience like nowhere else. Cap off your time spent in the bush with a few days on the beach, and you’ve got yourself the perfect combination of safari and sea for the National Day holidays. For something that the children will never forget, an overnight in Nairobi at the beginning or end of the itinerary could mean a stay at the legendary Giraffe Manor, where these peaceful, iconic animals will join you for breakfast!

Where to stay: Sala’s Camp

Sala’s Camp is one of the few places in Africa where children of all ages are welcome. Special safari programs see spotters teaching young guests the secrets of the bush, and children are able to join game drives with their parents and see the animals up close. Parents will enjoy sundowners overlooking the incredible natural scenery that unfolds over the Masai Mara Game Reserve, and dinners served outdoors under the brightly starlit Kenyan skies.

#Phuket, Thailand

While no stranger to tourism, Phuket still tops our list of favourite family beach destinations due to its incredible mix of properties, clear and calm beaches, impeccable service and simple convenience – once you arrive you can literally kick back and not have to lift a finger until you leave. With direct flights from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this is the ultimate in easy “fly-and-flop” relaxation.

Where to stay: Trisara Phuket

Trisara’s kid’s club, located in a dedicated pavilion for those between the ages of 4 and 16, and is supervised by qualified child minders. Outdoor activities include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and island hopping cruises. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in a couple’s spa treatment, play a round of golf at a nearby course, or head into town for a parent’s night out. The infinity pool villas are also some of the best we’ve seen on the entire island!

#Seychelles

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the resorts in the Seychelles, this island nation is an eco-tourism paradise with lush jungle trails, countless native bird species and world-class diving amongst rainbow-coloured reefs full of marine life. Properties are often situated on larger islands than in the Maldives, which bring added opportunities for hiking amidst the forested interiors. Additionally, being just a 4.5-hour flight from Dubai, it’s incredibly easy for families with even very young children to make the flight over.

Where to stay: Desroches Island Resort

One of the most spectacular properties in the Seychelles, Desroches Island Resort is also one of the best for families. Its Kid’s Haven provides educational activities in a wonderful outdoor setting, and encourages parents to get involved as well. The island is incredibly safe, and parents can rest assured that it is malaria-free, which means no vaccines necessary. There are no dangerous animals, insects or snakes; and you don’t have to worry about cars as there are no tar roads. The whole island is essentially a parent’s dream when it comes to providing a safe and fun-filled environment for kids of all ages. Plus – it is home to an impressive number of giant tortoises, a Seychelles speciality that will enchant children and adults alike!

Lightfoot Travel is a Dubai-based luxury tour operator specialising in tailor-made family holidays, honeymoons, private villas and corporate travel to countries spanning seven continents. Visit lightfoottravel.com or call +971 4 455 8788 for further details.