Tag Archives: summer

Summer Slumber Party | The Mark Hotel | New York | Our favourite hotel in NYC

Our favorite hotel in New York has to be the stylish boutique hotel, The Mark Hotel, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  It is where we run to every year to do some pre-Christmas shopping  with a child or two in tow.  The location for us is unique and convenient for our children as it is next to Central Park and the shops are literally on your doorsteps – perfect for mums with strollers unlike the concrete jungle of mid-town which can be extremely stroller unfriendly.  Other pluses include the Jean-Georges restaurant which we love for breakfast, lunch and dinner located next to the lobby downstairs, easy with an infant not to venture to far out in the evenings.

New York, itself, isn’t baby or child friendly for a lot of reasons so we really do appreciate a hotel like The Mark Hotel that is accommodating towards its little guests. This summer, The Mark Hotel  is organising a slumber for families with children.  We just hope that they can offer this during the Christmas period later this year too.

Suite guests with children at The Mark will be treated to*:

#A customized black-and-white striped teepee tent set up in room including house-made chocolate milk and cookies

#Complimentary breakfast in bed each morning for the whole family from The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges

#A selection of family movies to choose from for a movie night while mom and dad enjoy a romantic dinner at The Mark Restaurant by Jean Georges

For families, The Mark also offers custom-designed strollers, a new selection of welcome amenities from Zittles, whimsical rides and gourmet picnics next door in Central Park with The Mark Custom Bikes and The Mark Pedicabs, among many other luxuries. Moreover, The Mark’s Concierge will be happy to arrange for services such as access to the best family-oriented destinations in New York City, child-care and baby-sitting.

*Guests must reserve upon booking.

For more information and bookings, please visit:

www.themarkhotel.com

Travel Ideas | Kids travelling in style with Beatrix NY

How to carry children’s stuff

Most mothers are getting jittery about what to pack, what to carry, and how to entertain kids on long travels.  We love Beatrix NY because their bags are light weight, and foldable, and my children don’t mind having it on their backs.  Beatrix NY is also a favourite with celebrity families such as Victoria and David Beckham’s daughter Harper and Katie Holmes’, Suri Cruise. We are heading out to the Far East so we need to ensure that the kids have water bottles in hand for the heat, and they can carry their own, plus one or two toys on board to amuse them at the airport.  Also, when you are walking around the resorts/cities that we will also feature this summer, the bags come in handy for the children to stuff their choice of toys to term them to keep them entertained on car journeys and at restaurants.  Then, come September these items are useful as part of your ‘Back to School’ kit especially the brilliant cozy can water bottles that look like cans which my children love the novelty of.

If you are in the mad rush you can purchase them online www.babysouk.com or instore at Hamleys UAE Dubai Mall and Mirfiff City Centre and all Dbabies Stores and Bumble Bee Dubai Mall.

What to stuff inside these bags

We have have started purchasing reading books for my soon-to-be FS2 daughter as she is keen just to blend a few words like ‘cat, sat and mat’, and Papa has the duty to do some Italian flashcards with the children.  Usborne is a pretty recognised brand that produces affordable books and educational games to bring along on holiday, and these items can be purchased as Book World in Dubai Mall, Bookworm Stores, and Borders.

Journey into Africa | Chantelle’s Spring/Summer 2015 Beachwear Collection | Dubai

Chantelle Paris has launched its new Spring/Summer 2015 Beachwear collection.

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start picking out new swimwear.  I learnt from a girlfriend to always shop in advance and not in a rush – it’s a way to save money in the long run.  I found this to be very true so I am picking out one or two pieces in advance before the mad summer rush when school is out.

This season, Chantelle has drawn its inspiration from Africa with modern prints and harmonious colour combinations. Plain lines in vibrant colours are set off by chic details, while the two-tone and tri-colour designs give the collection a refined sense. Wooden accessories add a jungle feel whilst metal ones add a touch of light. As always the attention to detail and finishes underline the characteristics and quality of the Chantelle brand.

Chantelle swim wear range is available exclusively at Galleries Lafayette at Dubai Mall.