Tag Archives: Dubai Mummy bloggers

Children's Products

New mums alert | Bugaboo & Diesel collaborate again on the ultimate pram.

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I bought my first Bugaboo from John Lewis in the UK 7 years ago now, and I still have it, and love it.  The Bugaboo was the best investment I made as it made it through 4 children, lots of travelling on planes and has been pushed through snow and sand, and it is still in amazing condition.  Prams are like handbags for mums; how do we justify buying another one?  Bugaboo & Diesel have collaborated again to created a good-looking roll & roll style pram that folds away easily to fit into the back of most Dubai’s oversized 4×4 cars and is very tempting to purchase.  Everytime, I see a new pram design, it makes me just want to have another child just to upgrade my pram collection.  I saw the Bugaboo expert fold away the pram almost one-handedly, a great bonus for any mum with infant in tow or those with toddlers.

Last week saw the launch of the second Bugaboo by Diesel collection in Dubai. The two companies have bundled their creative and rebellious spirit to design a collection that takes the iconic lifestyle brand’s DNA as a starting point: Denim. Two new strollers are taking center stage this time round with a complete makeover for the all-terrain stroller, the Bugaboo Buffalo, and a Tailored Fabric Set for the convertible stroller, the Bugaboo Donkey. The military-inspired Bugaboo by Diesel Cameleon3 from the first collection will also remain available in store.

Accessories make the difference, so they have added a matching denim bag with leather details to the collection, featuring functional inside pockets for parents on the go. To complete your stroller wardrobe there is even a special-edition Bugaboo by Diesel Seat Liner, Footmuff, Parasol and Mosquito Net in camouflage print.

Bugaboo by Diesel Denim collection

This time the focus lies on Diesel’s denim heritage; the Bugaboo by Diesel Denim collection features a washed and specially-treated denim that is effortlessly stylish. The denim is hand- ripped, distressed, and features paint splatters in various denim hues. Over time, the denim will naturally fade, just like your favourite pair of jeans would.

The Bugaboo Buffalo by Diesel comes in a blue anodised chassis, washed denim sun canopy, bassinet and seat, and many new and interesting details. The central joint, for instance, is based on a rivet you will find on your Diesel jeans, the wheel rims have been coloured blue to complement the denim fabric, and the hand-treated fabric itself has been given a unique finish with paint splatters. Black, leather-look details on the handlebar and seat give the stroller a rebellious touch. There is also a matching bag in denim and leather which can be hung on the handlebar of the Bugaboo Buffalo.

The Bugaboo by Diesel Denim collection also comes as a Tailored Fabric set for the Bugaboo Donkey, featuring an extendable sun canopy in washed denim and bassinet apron.

Prices

BUGABOO BUFFALO BY DIESEL COMPLETE EU/US – AED 6,785  BUGABOO BY DIESEL BAG DENIM – AED 784

Items will be available at:

 Diesel Kids – The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre Mall, and Yas Mall.

JustKidding – Al Safa, Gold & Diamond Park, Wafi Mall, and online via www.justkidding-me.com.

Children's Products

My favourite artwork for 2016 | Arkham Creative | Tariq Sharif

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Quote ‘Seashellsonthepalm’ to get your discount.

37 year-old Artist Tariq Sharif was born in Bahrain, but grew up in the UK, and he is creator and owner of Arkham Creative, who was previously a marketing manager for a telecom company in Bahrain.  Tariq recently moved to Abu Dhabi and discovered his creative talent to essentially make portraits from ‘shredded paper’.  We talk to him about his newfound talent that has been very popular with family portraits.  They make beautiful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, and even a perfect present for grandparents.

What inspired you to start the first piece of your incredible art work?

It all started from a printing problem I had back in 2013, there was a certain color I wanted for a print but couldn’t get match I was looking for, so I took the colored paper that I wanted and decided to cut out what I wanted with blades and to my surprise, it turned out better than I thought, then I was rushed to the hospital because I have cut myself a couple of times and had some blood loss, blades are very sharp by the way.

Can you share with us if you could pick 5 celebrities in the world to create your paper art on?

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Michael Jordan, Robin Williams, Emma Watson & Femka Jensen

Name three of your favourite artists?

Gary Larsen (comic artest), Todd McFarlen (Spiderman & Spawn Comics) Jim Lee & Frank Miller ( comic book artists)

You also do children’s portraits, how long is the process if a mum is interested in ordering one?

The process begins with the mum selecting her favorite picture of her child, I will revert back with a demo of what the image will look like, after that it will take about 2-3 days, the time lapse video will also be sent at the same time

What is the best way to get in touch with you if potential clients are interested in the art?

Potiential clients can contact me direct on my Instagram channel @arkhamcreative or they can email me direct Arkhamcreative@gmail.com but if you really want to get a discount contact me through Seashells on the Palm to take advantage on getting your hands pieces of art that a truly personal.

Watch Tariq’s creative art from The Links on Youtube

Food

Best new coffee and breakfast hangouts for Mums | Dubai

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I loved all the old places where I could grab a quick coffee with a girlfriend after drop off but in recent months with 4 kids this has been a thing of the past until my youngest started nursery this January and it has given me one morning a fortnight for a quick catch up with friends.  I soon realised I was a little out of the loop so I had to make new discoveries and since in Dubai, we all love shiny new things and venues, here is a shortlist of my recently favourite tried and tested new venues.

Bystro | Sheikh Zayed Road

Located between Jones, The Grocer and The Lime Tree Cafe off SZR the location is central for almost any residential area.  It was pointed out by great friend (yes, you know who you are), that the acoustics are infinitely better making it more tranquil, especially during peak times in cafes.  It is also a good venue to get some work done outside of the house, many can be seen on their laptops beavering away over a latte and a croissant.  The food is super too if you are looking for a yummy breakfast in a cosy venue with great delicious smoothies and very attentive service.

Tel: +971 4 336 8056 Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm

The Cove Beach | Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Newly opened for breakfast, Cove Beach is a great proximity to several schools and an ideal location to meet after school drop off.  You can pretend for a few hours that you are on holiday with the Cove’s large open white spaces and sea view, whilst sitting next to super well-dressed trendy mummies you definitely get a sense of the venue’s St Tropez vibes.  It is not a place to go if you are in a hurry as you need time to soak in the gorgeous weather and view, relax and eat breakfast at a tranquil European pace.

Tel: +971 800 2683 Opening Hours: 8am – 3am

Frioul | Madinat Jumeirah

One of my favourites in Dubai because of its location and food.  It is located by the car park entrance to the Madinat so you don’t have to trawl through the Madinat Souk Arcade to reach this venue by the water.  I love this French eatery for dinner too as it gives the feeling of privacy with  a low key vibe (no need to dress up!!).  The owners of the restaurant are always keeping an eye on the service and food and can be seen wondering around, and their passion and attention to detail is evident in its increased popularity of the venue. They do a great breakfast too with delicious pastries and a perfectly created cappuccino.

Tel: +971 567 0011 Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm

Zest | One & Only The Palm

This is a little far to drive but if a friend is having  a birthday breakfast or a baby shower, it is such a lovely intimate place for breakfast.  It is an elegant venue with healthy options from raw vegetable plates, smoked salmon and a wide selection of freshly made pastries, as well as perfectly poached eggs.  It is my favourite hotel in the world to date, and definitely my favourite getaway destination in Dubai.

Tel: +971 4 440 1030 Opening Hours: 7am – 11am for breakfast (closing time 11pm)

Tashas Cafe | Galleria Mall

No matter what time of day, this little eatery is full.  The passion is in the cooking, and the number of customers reflect that they are doing something right.  Tasha’s Dubai is its first international branch out of South Africa, and this successful cafe has delicious breakfast for those seeking something wholesome and healthy.

Tel: +971 438 55500 Opening hours: 7.30am – 11pm

Culinary Boutique | Jumeirah 1

This well-designed cafe attracts many locals for its delicious and spoiling breakfasts.  The venue is the latest and trendiest hangout in the Jumeirah 1 area, and they even have valet to make the experience an easier one.  The venue is also a cooking school with classes all day long from Steak Master, Tres Risotto, and Gourmet Destiny just to name a few.

Tel: +971 4 345 0023 Opening hours for cafe: 8am – 10pm

Food

Some new Valentine’s Restaurants to try | Dubai | Top restaurants

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With almost 5  – 10 restaurant openings a month it is a real headache to pick something that you are comfortable with or whether to try something new.  We inevitably always go back to our favourites but never on Valentine’s day itself as we usually stay at home for a home cooked meal but a day before or after Valentine’s we will venture out as we think the whole concept is a little cheesy.  For us, it is just a good excuse for a date night.  Here are some of the possible options. Share with us any ideas that you might have too – all husbands need some help and ideas.

#Play Restaurant and Lounge | H Hotel | Sheikh Zayed Road

New to the neighbourhood.  The Chef is Reif Othman – ex-regional chef of Zuma Restaurants for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, and who oversaw the Hong Kong and Miami operations too.  Othman has a 40 chef team and has every potential to be great.

#Bistrot Bagatelle | Fairmont Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road

The new hip and trendy restaurant focuses much on the sharing concept of French foods  with new twists on traditional dishes.  It is from the same company that brought you Catch.  The truffle pizza and beetroot salad are worth the trip, but be on time and quick as they do ensure that they turn around the tables on time, and you will be asked to have dessert in the bar area which can get quite smokey which can appeal to some who want to keep on partying into the late hours.

Tel: +971 4 354 5035

#Beach Bar & Grill | One & Only Royal Mirage

You can book a private beach gazebo at the the One & Only.  The restaurant has been around for a long time but these private beach gazebos are a new concept.  It will cost around AED500 per person which is not bad for a Valentine’s evening at one of Dubai’s most exclusive hotels.

Tel: +971 4 399 9999

#Hashi | The Armani | Burj Khalifa

Still a firm favourite of ours.  It is now a highly sought after location for dinner dates with fountains in front and the Burj Khalifa towering above.  The food is as good as the view – unique and interesting with great service from a well-trained team.  Top tip: book early to secure a table outside, and bring a jacket as it can get a bit nippy but there are heaters outside too.

Tel: +971 4 888 3444

#Marina Social | Intercontinental | Dubai Marina

A brilliant restaurant by Michelin-starred British chef, Jason Atheron, who had been the excutive chef for Gordon Ramsey’s Maze restaurant in London.  Jason has a love for Dubai as he lived here previously with his family before returning back to the UK and propelling into stardom.  Atherton now has restaurants all over the world with several in London including his Michelin-starred Pollen Restaurant, Singapore and now Dubai.  The Chef is inspiring creative, and the passion in his food is apparent in his dishes.  One thing you have to try is the artichoke ice-cream and judge for yourself.

Tel: +971 4 446 6777

#Jean Georges | Fine Dining | Four Seasons

One of my favourite restaurants in Dubai.  There is both the casual dining and fine dining sections and of course, on Valentine’s the fine dining would be the preferred option.  The fine dining venue has to be left for date night evenings where time is not a concern; you will need time to enjoy the meal with a glass of bubbly, and the service is out of this world – think silver service in the UK.  The menu is unique, and an experience for true food lovers.

Tel: +971 4 343 6118