Our Indian Visitor

Yesterday afternoon, ne of Hubby's long time friend here in Dubai dropped by for some tea. Subash is  native from Kerala, Inidia who owns a truck purposely used for cargo and and at times helping people when they move from one place to the other. I think it is quiet a lucrative business here in Dubai since there is so much tenant movement. 

We met Subash back in 2007 while moving from Deira to Bur Dubai. He didn't speak and understand much English so we spoke to him using a lot if sign language. We learned that we were his first customer for his "moving houses" business. He charged us only half of what was quoted but Hubby gave him the full amount. Subash was soo happy that he asked for our contact number. 

After two years, we heard good news from him that he brought a bigger truck, His English vastly improved and he wanted more clients, targeting the near emirates, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. So Hubby informed him that aside from the word of mouth, he needs a business card to market his service.Hubby even sketch a logo truck for him just to make him grasp the idea better.

He proudly handed us his new card complete with business logo design. He is serving clients now as far as Ajman and Umm Al Quwain with plans to buy another truck. Congratulations, Subash! May you inspire a lot more of your countrymen.

Postcards From Madinat Jumeirah

I took these photos while my son was playing at Sinbad Kid's Club in Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat, Jumeirah.

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Hello Kitty Quad Bike

This pretty little thing was on display during the annual Middle East Gulf Bike Expo.  held over the weekend.

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IKEA Breakfast

This is the most economical meal you will find around the city.

For 4AED (45 Pesos) only, you get baked beans, chicken/beef sausage, scrambled eggs, and hash brown.
 The bottomless cappuccino costs 5AED.

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Home Holiday Mood!

Though we had a busy weekend, I squeezed time to put on some Christmas trimmings around our apartment.

Clockwise, you see a pretty box with decorated real egg-shell. Inside is a German chocolate truffle. Eggs symbolize birth in the circle of life, and as Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Christ, the giving of decorated eggs on Christmas Day had become a custom.

Beside the box is our current coffee table book Angela and the Baby Jesus by our  all-time favorite Author, Frank McCourt.

Below those are some holiday presents I finished wrapping at the time I took the photo. Currently, i have wrapped 10 presents. I sneak to do such when my little one is asleep. Raise you hand if you've been good this year. =)

Next are three Christmas stockings, one for each member of the family. The big one is obviously for Andreas lol! Now that's a challenge to fill, darling!

Then we have a pretty Christmas backpack, filled with cookies and toys, decorating Andreas' little corner.

Lastly, a holiday wreath on our front door. Drop by for some Christmas cheers!!

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Faienceries De Gien Dinner Service

And so I continue my post featuring the on-going Festival Colbert in the region.

Established in 1821, la Faincere De Gien creates varied collection including decorative pieces as well as dinnerware services that are either classic in style or more informal. Aside from the impressive know-how, the excellent reputation of the house lies on its desire to create new producs inspired by tradition in collaboration with famous artists and designers.

For the first Festival Colbert in Dubai, Gien brought it Horses of the Wind, a dinner service  celebrating the elegance of Arabian Horses and generally associated with Arabian Pincess.

The artist behind is multi-awarded Marine Oussedik, a sculptor, illustrator, and horsewoman.

You can see more objects on display from the Festival Colbert here.

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Painting By A Dolphin

This abstract painting is made by Dolphin Senya during the Water Magic Show Event at Dubai Dolphinarium. It was auctioned to the audience and sold for 100 Dirhams.

Dolphin Senya showing off her painting skill

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Avoid Recreational Water Illnesses

My son's all time favorite activity is swimming. People give a big smile of approval when they see him confidently jump on the water or when he imitates adults floating, lying on their back. I'm thankful that so far, he has not suffered any serious Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI). We owe this largely to our ever-cheerful building watchman, Narsa, an Indian national.

Our brave, little floater.

Narsa regularly cleans the rooftop swimming - even on days nobody is using it (when the weather is too cold for a dip). Sometimes when we just feel like catching some fresh air, we go up and there is Narsa armed with pool cleaners. He vacuums, scrubs the tiles, sweeps the deck, and empty the strainer basket.

Earlier on, I wondered why the pool never smelled strongly of chlorine despite the regular cleaning. I learned that the smell is actually chloramines - a combination of chlorine, sweat, and urine. A perfectly clean and safe swimming pool should be odorless. 

Here are other steps to avoid Recreational Water Illnesses:

  a) The pool's bottom should be clearly visible.

  b) Shower before going into a pool

  c) Take small children on frequent bathroom breaks

  d) Wash hands after going to the bathroom

  e) The tiles of the pool should feel smooth not slimy

  f) Listen for the sound of working pool pump

  g) Avoid swallowing pool water

An Art Show for Breast Cancer Survivors

A support group called Woman2Woman opened an exhibit of art works by UAE artists at the Festival Center of Dubai Festival City. Avid art collectors can purchase the paintings and all proceeds will be donated to charity groups supporting women who are fighting the breast cancer disease.

Here are some of the art works on display. For sales inquiry, contact info@woman2woman.biz  or mobile no. 050 5515979

Artists:  Ashitha Dileep

Title: Dainty Damsels

Cost: 3,500 AED

Artist: Ashitha Dileep

Title: Lost In Thoughts

Cost: 5,500 AED

Artist: Shilpa Ajith

Title: Mother & Child

Cost: 6,000 AED

Artist: Noopur Ahuja

Title: In Honor of Breast Cancer

Cost: 2,000 AED

Artist: Astrid de Menezes

Title: Moorish Mosaics (mixed medium)

Cost: 1,900 AED

Artist: Zareen Khan

Title: The Invisible Hug

Cost: 6,200 AED

Artist: Zareen Khan

Title: In Mom's Garden

Cost: 4,200 AED

Artist: Pari Sagar

Title: Stength

Cost: 2,500 AED

Artist: Ashitha Dileep

Title: Colors of Rajasthan

Cost: 2,500 AED

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Topshop Catwalk Show (Part 2)

Thank you very much for your continued interest. I shall now proceed to share the current accessory (shoes, bag, make-up) collection from Topshop.

The clothes collection can be found here.