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Issue 33December 2013All AboutChristmas!Hello Kitty & Dora visit newUK toy store in Dubai10 things You MUST doUAE NationalDayHow to celebrate &a Brit’s Emirati fairytaleShe NamedHer BabyWHAT?!Wackiest names in townPre-conception 101Supported by:

Your monthly dose ofInspiration...Dear Mummies,What a great month it has beenfor us here at the office! Bigger team,stronger, greater success and a perfect wayto end the new year! We have recently wonSuperbrand of the Year 2014 which is a greatachievement! We officially are the leadingparenting magazine amongst all others inthe GCC region! Thanking you and all ourfantastic supporters for this achievement andof course the amazing team here at MB&Cthat it couldn't have happened without. Hasthis last month marking the end of 2013 beengood for you too? The end of this year ofgreat changes and achievements has inspiredme to open a page which I've been wantingto create for a while called "The ButterflyHealer" on facebook (www.facebook.com/thebutterflyhealer), which aims to help youmend your broken wings, fly and keepflying through inspiration, wisdom, truth,motivation, love and interesting articles,videos and quotes. Here, let's take a lookat some inspiration which will end youryear correctly.“Become a very happy, confident,fierce, strong, kind, generous, gentle,honest person, always feeling andlooking amazing.Have a strong, healthy andbeautiful body.Understand, accept and love myselfand others.I touch lives and help peoplechange the way they think andlive their lives… Meditateat least 2 times per week,exercise.I have attracted, and still do, wonderful andsupportive friends, loving and positive people thatencourage and help me grow.I am grateful for my life, for who I am and for howhappy my life is.I only focus on having positive and powerfulthoughts, nothing else.Be present in the NOW!Because I am living life in an authentic way, peopleare drawn to me.Travel around the world.Embrace my inner child. Be playful.Make my own rules. I am at peace with myself andthe world around me.I am not afraid to take risks.“Source: www.purposefairy.comLet this be your daily mantra and the way you will livemoving forward. On this note, may you have a MerryChristmas, and be sure to be giving this Christmasdoing something extra special to those truly in needand who do not have the warmth and love that youdo--yet another great way to end the year.

December 20133 Your monthly doseof inspiration byDarineEditorial14 Editor's Note16 Your Voice Matters!18 Christmas Special22 What Do You Think /Ask NowWhat's Poppin'24 Save the DateMark your calendar!28 What to DoFun activities for all!30 Learn and playEducation & fun!34 Did you know?Top news!mother, baby & child december 20136Mother, Baby andChild Magazinewas there!38 The Blossom Nursery’s‘Mean Green’ HalloweenParty38 Jumeirah InternationalNurseries (JINS) OpenDay40 UCMAS – GraduationCeremony & UCDino Art NationalCompetition 201342 Bioderma Private Sale42 Abu Dhabi Alive44 Blossom Children'sNursery Event45 UAE National DayGetting Ready46 Pre-Conception 101Tips and tricks48 What’s in a Wacky Baby’sName?Baby namesOn The Way50 Vegan & Pregnant: ShouldI Smell Trouble?Vegan diet tips52 The New Age Stroller:Phil&Teds Navigator 2.0At Db BabiesIn Focus: Mum54 The Divine: Big Questionsand How to Answer ThemMom, who is God?56 Kitchen Magic60 Top Tips for MumsEco-Zen, Mind & Body,Holistic Motherhood,Health and Wellbeing64 Hot Mama Fashion65 Style Tipsby Nina Iskander66 Stop and Shop MumShopping haven68 Hot Mama Beauty70 Hot Mama Fitness71 Yummy Mummy of theMonth72 Bookworm MumThe New Family73 Thoughts on Health froma Tired Mom of TwoBy Mariam Hassan andFamily74 Emirati Family…RulesA Brit's charming affair

contents december 2013In Focus: Birth76 Self-Hypnosis: YourGateway to an EasyDeliveryBirth, piece of cake!78 Level Up Your MaternityWardrobeMore value for less80 Stop and Shop BabyFor a happy babyIn Focus: Toddler82 Nature’s Classroomby Asma Maladwala,Inspire Chidren's Nursery84 GingersnapsToddler Fashion85 Stop and Shop Toddler &ChildToys and moreIn Focus: Child86 Sibling Wars:How to Put an End toJealousy90 Apptastic! The BestApplications for KidsTech. love91 Top Tips for KidsSafety, Fussy Eaters,Fashion94 Slick Kid of theMonth95 Slick Kids Fashion95 Kiddie Flicks Picks97 Bookworm Junior98 Mama & Me GetBusy100 BirthdaysMama-Me Time102 Malala: A Child WhoStood Up for Her Right toan Education104 People of the MonthMumtrepreneur, Charity'sAngel, Green Guru107 Editor's Picks: In Focus:Dining108 Editor's Picks: In Focus:Spa109 Editor's Picks: In Focus:SalonScentsations Salon110 Editor's Picks: In Focus:Hotel111 Horoscopes112 Directory Listingsbelieve, achieve, bECOmemother, baby & child december 20138The Blossom Children Nursery provides an award winning early yearseducation experience with secure and stimulating environments where eachchild will blossom. Blossom caters to modern families who require flexible,year round care and education for their children. We want children todream, work to fulfill their dreams and bECOme all they can be.Our custom built nursery in Dubai Academic City is approved by KHDA forchildren from 6 months to 6 years, provides transportation for children andfeatures innovative Language Nest and Foundation Unit. Call 055-NURSERYto schedule a tour today!us @blossomnurseryus @theblossomnurserywww.theblossomnursery.com | Blossom: 04 348 6275 | Blossom Village: 04 394 8847Blossom Early Learning Center: 04 421 4458

1# Ranking in Google searchresults under any mother,baby, and child combo amongmillions of resultsmother, baby & child december 2013The first parenting magazine in the GCCto ever win the prestigious award, Mother,Baby & Child will represent CPI at the SuperBrands Tribute among some of the biggestnames from across all industries including Du,Emirates Airlines, Babyshop, and Pepsi. Therigorous selection process is based on researchconducted by 2,500 professionals; Minister ofTrade HH Sheikha Lubna al Qassimi, ExecutiveVice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free ColmMcloughlin, and other senior figures grant thetitle to the brand which has outperformed itscompetitors in its respective category.Brands that have attained SuperBrand statushave been selected from the most highlyrated brands by the independent SuperBrands12Council and Senior Managers from the Brands incontention from over 3,000 brands available inthe UAE.The SuperBrands organisation is acclaimedworldwide as being an independent authority andarbiter of branding excellence and is committedto paying tribute to exceptional brands andpromoting the discipline of branding.We are also the top in over 1 million results inGoogle when typing any mother, baby and childcombo!The Mother, Baby & Child team would like tothank our loyal readers all over the UAE and theglobe. We couldn’t have done this without you!

MANAGEMENTPublisherDominic De SousaGroup COONadeem HoodSenior Director of Sales/Publishing Director/Founder ofMother, Baby andChild Magazinedarine.williams@cpimediagroup.comMobile: +971 55 9159905Office: +971 4 433 2372SALESDirector of SalesMathew Tharakanmathew.tharakan@cpimediagroup.comMobile:+971 50 534 9594Office: +971 4 433 2446Sales ManagerAqleem Khanaqleem.khan@cpimediagroup.comOffice: +971 4 433 2436EditorDina Maatyeditormbc@cpimediagroup.comMobile:+971 55 553 5865Office: +971 4 433 2449Co-EditorZaina Shihabi-Swailemzaina@cpidubai.comMobile:+971 50 505 6086AdministratorJoanne Barriainfombc@cpimediagroup.comMobile:+971 56 615 6397Office: +971 4 433 2398CIRCULATIONDatabase and CirculationManagerRochelle Almeidarochelle@advancemena.com+971 4 368 1670PRODUCTION AND DESIGNProduction ManagerJames P Tharianjames.tharian@cpimediagroup.com+971 4 440 9146DesignerJimmy Mendozadesignermbc@cpimediagroup.com+971 4 433 2424DIGITALwww.cpilive.netwww.cpimediagroup.comDigital Services ManagerTristan Troy Maagmatroy.maagma@cpimediagroup.com+971 4 440 9141Dearest Mummies,This issue marks a very special timefor me; my new year brings a new stage whereI get to share the best of motherhood withthe most amazing mummy community in theUAE. December brings Christmas and opensthe door for 2014, with blossoming dreamsand wishes, but it also comes as a reminder,through International Volunteer Day, that ourlives should always be about giving back.This month, we also get to celebrate withpride, along with Emiratis, a wonderful place,the United Arab Emirates; the Middle East’sever-shining star, it’s a nation which brings usall together to witness it break world recordsin greatness, vision, and wise leadership.I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I’veenjoyed bringing it to you. May your new yearbe as spectacular as you are.Dina MaatyEditorWeb DeveloperRamir Toyadowebmbc@cpimediagroup.com+971 4 433 2454Published bymother, baby & child december 20131013 Centre RoadNew Castle County,Wilmington, Delaware, USAHead OfficePO Box 13700Dubai, UAETel: +971 4 440 9100Fax: +971 4 447 2409Printed byPrintwell Printing Press LLC© Copyright 2013 CPIAll rights reserved.While the publishers have madeevery effort to ensure the accuracyof all information in this magazine,they will not be held responsible forany errors therein.14facebook.com/MBCmagazine@MBCmagazine

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2014Dearest Parents, welcome to thefinal month of 2013!My favourite thing to do at the end ofeach year is to reflect on the year thathas just passed. Do I consider it a goodyear, or am I happy to quickly brush itoff and welcome the New Year in hopesthat it will be better than the last? I lookat the events that shaped me, changedme and challenged me, and I thank Godthat I have made it to yet another year on thisearth. How do you celebrate the year’s enddearest readers?I hope that you enjoy this final issue of 2013,and I pray that your year has been positive,enlightening and one to remember. HappyHolidays!See you inside!Zaina Shihabi-SwailemAssistant Editor15mother, baby & child december 2013

editorialDear MBC,Love your magazine! It has such wonderful articles and coversa wide variety of topics!!! Thanks for the inspiring stories of theMumtrepreneurs & Charity's Angels. It’s got me thinking about how I cango about achieving my own little dream and giving back to society :-)My son also enjoys the fun activities in the "Mama & Me get Busy" section and we have afun weekend planned with the recipes featured in this month’s Kitchen Magic!A little something for mom, a little something for baby, and a whole lot for the Family :-)Thanking you,SherylDubaiDear Sheryl,Many thanks for your sweet note! Our magazine is dedicatedto you, our readers, and receiving such feedback is an inspirationto us. We definitely know our mummies have big hearts and are alwayslooking to give, and that’s why this issue YOU’RE the Charity’sAngel.mother, baby & child december 201316Hope you enjoy our new games with your son, go grab somefashionable items, and try all of the recipes (we would love atasting). Stay lovely!With love,Dina

editorialBiggest UK Toy RetailerBrings Holiday Cheerto DubaiTHE UK’S LEADING TOY SHOPIn partnership with Al Owais Enterprises, the UK’sfastest growing toy retailer, The Entertainer, willopen its first retail outlet in Dubai on Wednesday,December 12th, 2013 for the public.On Friday, December 13th families are invited toa special grand opening event. Popular children’scharacters Ben 10, Hello Kitty, Lalaloopsy, andDora the Explorer will make special appearancesthroughout the day. Shoppers will also be able toenjoy various special offers and activities duringthe store opening event along with a competitionto win a fantastic bike.The Entertainer Dubai store will belocated in the Al Ghurair centre in the newextension on level 1. Children stepping intothe store will be transported into a worldof wonder, surrounded by all their favouritetoys. Friendly staff will be on hand to helpguide families around the new store.As a family run business, The Entertainerembraces family values and its vision is tobecome the best loved toyshop, one child,and one community at a time and to fillevery childhood with wonder.mother, baby & child december 2013The Entertainer has almost 90 stores across theUK and this new store will be the brand’s firstexpansion outside of the UK. It has begun itsexpansion plan in the Middle East, focusing firston UAE, with the Dubai based retail group AlOwais Enterprises to bring the UK’s favourite toyshop to family shoppers who are demanding moretoy shopping choices in Dubai.18

editorial | christmas special36WonderfulThings ToDo ThisChristmas1. Dress your kid in an Angry Birds outfit byBabyshop2. Make yummy Christmas-coloured skewers3. Grab some fashionable items for your4817510kids from Mirtillo Brands AW 13/14, oreven some pieces off their new Christmascollection!4. Christmas Gifts for Green Mommies onthe Go: The iiamo go – the world’s firstself-warming feeding bottle, from December13th - 24th, look out for “Geco’s 12 days ofChristmas” hamper campaign, adopt ‘Nadia’the turtle and check the ‘teething necklace’,all at www.Gecostore.com5. Get some sound sleep (but make sure youwake up to see Santa): Wellbeing technologyand lifestyle brand Philip Stein has launcheda Sleep Bracelet which utilizes NaturalFrequency Technology to help improve yourquality of sleep.6. Keep warm and cozy with Aéropostale’spieces; they recommend camping outdoors!7. Shop for some party dresses from homeonwww.hunnionline.com/shop/index.php.mother, baby & child december 201320298. Work off those holiday calories withReebok’s girliest range to date!9. Eat Lindt Chocolate and see the Peter Panpantomime at the Dubai Christmas Festival.Book on www.dubaichristmasfestival.com.10. Get 50% off children’s clothing andwomen’s wear at F&F Oasis Centre.

Whether STORING baby’s toysor your shopping treasures,strolling together has neverbeen more fun!HUGESTORAGEup to 10kg!smarTrike & Go 4-in-1Whether taking baby out to the park or for a picnic, picking up some groceries or enjoying an afternoon in the mall, the detachable cart offers®you a perfect storage solution! Strolling together has never been more fun! With the patentedtechnology for smooth & easymaneuvering.Stage 110M+Stage 218M+smarTrike® products can be purchased at:Stage 324M+Stage 430-36MStroller trike Guided trikeTraining trike Classic trikeStage 5Cartwww.smart-trike.com21mother, baby & child december 2013

What do YOU think Mums?Santa DilemmaTis' the season of all things jolly! Kids love Santa (and his presents even more), but we allknow there's a time when the truth about our favourite chubby Christmas character hasto come out. Would you ever tell your kids Santa didn't exist? Tell us why/not, and shareyour stories over when your kids found out & their reactions.Sheryl Sidharth Dhas - We've enjoyedSanta's visit to us as kids and I would nevertell my son that Santa doesn’t exist, he’ll haveto figure it out himself at some point but untilthen (and I’m sure even after that) we’ll havefun dressing up as Santa and playing out anelaborate charade to make it all seem real.Leela D'Souza Rodrigues - Santa Claus didexist, he was St. Nicholas, so in a way you aren'texactly lying. And anyway when my daughter isold enough, she’ll know about "Santa Claus"who brings her gifts and St. Nicholas. So no Iwouldn’t tell her anything yet.Shaik Rubs - Well I would never ever dothat to my 4yr old. Santa is the first personin her life that she's ever loved. She so looksforward to Christmas and goes around thehouse with her bag of Toys and HO HO HOs.Santa is not a person; he’s a thought, a belief,a hope. Well even though I don't celebrateChristmas I do believe in Santa.Ask Now!My daughter is 1 year 11 months andam trying to potty train her since thelast 2 months now. We explained, wedemonstrated, we coaxed, we bribedwe demanded. And finally, we gave up.At what age can my kid tell me that sheneeds to visit the loo?Thanks!mother, baby & child december 2013Most kids at 23 months are unable to fullyarticulate when they have to go. Thisgenerally starts more consistently after 2years. I would recommend having a pottychair in the bathroom, have her see whatothers do in the bathroom, and if she saysshe needs to go, put her on the pottyand praise her for the successes. This22is the USA approach to it. In other countries,especially China, they spend more time and aremore aggressive about this at an earlier age.Good luck, Dr. Olson.Dr. David OlsonBoard Certified Paediatrician, Michigan,USA

©2013 Destination Maternity Corporation. All rights reserved.The NewAutumn/Winter2013 CollectionNOW AVAILABLE IN STORES

save the date* what to do* learn & play* didyou know?* mother, baby & child was there*what's poppin?Sign the Kids Up for aWinter CampRunning on weekdays between December 15th and January9th, the Favourite Things Winter Camp will see kids enjoyingArts & Crafts, Fun & Games, Fit Kidz, Baking, Fashion Shows,Kids Karaoke, Mad Science, Face Painting, Carnival Gamesand Dance & Sing-Alongs. Themes this yearinclude Winter Wonderland, Fun withSnowman, Yuletide Glow, Fun & Frosty,Splashing Winter, Baking Memories,Cooking up Christmas, Fun with GingerBread, Jingle Bells, Wrap Artist & Chill Out.mother, baby & child december 2013For more information:http://favouritethings.com/Phone: +971 (0)4 434 1984Winter Wonderland in Sunny DubaiArabian resort Madinat Jumeirah will be holding its Souk FestiveMarket with a winter wonderland from December 17 – 27. Locatedin Mina A’Salam, the market is open from 3pm to midnight onweekdays and 1pm to midnight on weekends. The event willfeature seasonal food and beverage snacks, in addition to aneight metre tall Christmas tree and activities for children includinga giant snow globe, an ice rink, Santa surfing, a reindeer rodeo,Santa’s grotto, and the North Pole Train.24For more information please contact:Tel: +971 4 366 8888Email: MJinfo@jumeirah.comEat An Apple DayDecember 1UAE National DayDecember 2World AIDS DayDecember 2InternationalVolunteer DayDecember 5Brownie DayDecember 8Human Rights DayDecember 12Christmas DayDecember 25

what's poppin?save the dateTeach Your Kids SomeOoh La La’sPlay around is offering an intensive Frenchlanguage program over Christmas on 9consecutive days (Dec 21st-Dec 31st) notcounting Christmas day and Fridays, onehour a day 10 -11am.This intensive spokenFrench class focuses on the spoken part ofthe language and encouragesconversational skills.For bookings and informationinfo@playaround.aeJumeirah InternationalNurseries (JINS)MumtrepeneursBeat Diabetes Walkathon2013A walkathon for a good cause right before theNew Year. Landmark Group will be holding theWalkathon at 7 am, on December 6th. It featuresfree blood glucose tests, live music, sportingactivities by Sports Zone, Zumba and fitness sessions,a kids entertainment zone, and an opportunityfor every participant to get 250,000 Shukranpoints. There will also be a host of competitionsand prizes, as well as special gift hampers fromprominent Landmark Group brands, with healthyrefreshments to round off the walkathon.Location: Zabeel Park,Gate 1, Area A, DubaiInterested participants can registeronline at www.beatdiabetes.memother, baby & child december 2013JINS invites you to join their upcoming Mumtrepreneursevent on Saturday 7th December 2013@ Jumeirah International Nurseries' South Ridge,Burj Downtown branch (near Burj Khalifa). Meetglamorous entrepreneurs who deal with the insand outs of the business world, and will also sharetheir experiences as mums! They have also linedup exclusive offers at their exciting Bazaar!26To register & attend:http://www.jinspire.cominfo.jins3@forteseducation.com+971 (4) 456 4955

All Wahda Mall3rd Floor. Shop no.339Tel: (971) 24439683Dubai Mall2nd Floor. Shop no.137Tel: (971) 43253580

what's poppin?what to doCook Up Some Meals WithFamily at SCAFA JLT!In December, SCAFA (School of Culinaryand Finishing Arts) will be hosting an arrayof cooking classes – Christmas Class forTwo, Children’s Christmas Cooking Series,Professional Culinary Programmes, Bakingand Desserts, Fundamental techniques,Couples Classes, etc. The classes featureMexican, Peruvian, and healthy cuisine too!For more information:www.scafa.ae.Go Holiday Shopping at the NewBabyshop in Dubai Outlet Mall!Shopping for your precious little ones canbe hectic. Babyshop Outlet is now openin Dubai Outlet Mall offering great valuewith prices as low as AED 10 or AED 25, onBabies, Boys, and Girls outfits. The store islocated on the ground floor of Dubai OutletMall, operating from 10 am to 10 pm onweekdays and 10 am to 12 midnight onThursdays and Fridays. Just in time for theholiday season and its bountiful presents!For more information:www.babyshopstores.commother, baby & child december 201328Indulge in Turkey, Goose, andDecadent DessertsThe Address Dubai Marina is infull spirit this season with a trioof dining occasions to takeyou through the Festive week.Traditional favourites andinternational flavours cometogether with buffet, brunch,andà la carte options thatshowcase seasonal classicssuchas Turkey and Goose, alongwith crisp salads and the most indulgentdesserts. Younger guests will meet SantaClaus and get a family picture to treasure attheir festive photo booth.Date: Festive Eve Dinner Buffet – December24, 2013; Festive Day Brunch – December25, 2013| Time: Brunch – 12:30pm to3:30pm; Dinner – 7pm to 11pmFor more information:www.theaddress.comLearn Music from Professionalsat PMI & SASWhether you want to play music forpersonal enjoyment or plan to embark on amusic education of international standing,PMI & SAS offer classes and individuallessons to fit everyone’s needs:• Individual & group ballet• Basics, classics & popular piano lessons(children/adults)• Guitar lessons (children/adults)• Trumpet, flute, clarinet & saxophone• Violin lessons• Vocal lessons and training• Drums & other percussionsFor more information:info@popmusic.ae

what's poppin?learn & playFree Brain Training 101 SeminarGet ready for theNew Year with a newset of skills! The BrainWorkshop can developyour child’s abilities byenhancing their cognitiveskills, allowing your childto think faster and becomesmarter. As we approach the holiday season, it’s a reminder thatthe academic year is half way through. The Brain Workshop’sscientifically proven, American developed, KHDA-approvedprogram guarantees results for all children of differing abilities,including those with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, or other learningdifficulties. To learn more, register to attend their Brain Training101 free information seminar, which will be held at 3 pm onDecember 7th.For more information:www.thebrainworkshop.comTel.: 0432 75 075Nord AngliaInternational SchoolDubai (NAS) OpensSeptember 2014A British curriculum school,NAS offers a challengingand supportive learningenvironment to students aged 3 - 13 initially, with additionalyear groups being added. NAS offers an enhanced programmeof languages across all year groups that will include Arabic,Mandarin Chinese, French, German, and Spanish, in additionto music, the arts, and sports. NAS is part of the Nord AngliaEducation family of 27 international schools worldwide, with sisterschools in the USA, China, Europe as well as the Middle East.For more information:www.nainternationalschool.ae

THE Finest British EducationOpening in September 2014Located in Al Barsha 3 with easy access from Hessa StreetBritish Curriculum and IB DiplomaAges 3 to 13 in first year then expanding each year to offer a full 13-year programmesally.embley@nordanglia.com+971 (0)56 953 1503nainternationalschool.aeSchool opening and operations are subject to the completion of the building and final approval from KHDA.

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what's poppin?did you know?Buy Nano Jewellry or Geta free iPhone 5Dubai International Jewelry Week, takingplace from December 4-7, 2013, will showcasenever-seen-before Japanese diamonds (thinknanotechnology), 18k Italian jewelry, a piecenamed ‘Islamic Paradise’, and a Palm Jumeirahhead piece by an Indian jeweler.Also, you get a free iPhone 5 uponpurchasing from a certain jeweler.For more information:jewelleryshow@dwtc.comwww.jewelleryshow.comKids Can DecorateTheir Way toChristmasAl Tamimi Stables will hosta Christmas Decoration Makingcompetition for kids. Kids can get their handsdirty by creating Christmas decoration items andornaments such as Christmas trees, snowmen,Santa hats, holly, stockings, candy cane, wreathsand much more, with the help of their parentsand Al Tamimi Stables’ Activities’ Officers. Thelittle ones can also add their wonderful creationsto the Christmas tree at Al Tamimi Stables.mother, baby & child december 2013Ride Camels in Celebration of the42nd UAE National DayJumeirah ZabeelSaray will markthe UAE NationalDay with Emiratiinspiredfeasts,an interactivecooking session, camel rides, henna painting,falcon flying, a locally themed spa package,and a Kids’ Club on the sand. BetweenNovember 30th and December 2nd 2013,the hotel will serve an Arabic buffet for lunchand dinner in addition to traditional Emiratidishes such as Lamb Ouzi with Oriental Riceand Machboos Lamb. On UAE National Day,the restaurant will host a live interactivecooking station where guests can watch,taste and learn the art of Emirati cuisine,taking home a special recipe card.For more information:Tel: +971 4 453 0000www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/jumeirah-zabeel-saray/34For more information:www.tamimistables.comTel: +971 6 743 1122Ride a Bike in theWater this ‘White Christmas’Balance Wellness Clubis offering Christmas packages which include a‘White Wellness Gift Box’ and a ‘White WellnessMassage’ containing essential oils and lavenderextracts. The white Eau de Parfum purifies andregenerates while the White Face and Body Oilhelps relieve minor aches to convey a restorativefeel.There’s also a hydro-massage bath whichcombines traditional exercise (bike riding) andmassage techniques to build endurance levels,while reducing stress on joints and promotingweight loss as well as meditation sessions forpeace of mind.info.balance@landmarkgroup.comwww.balance-wellness-centre.com

what's poppin?did you know?Sports Life isTeaching the‘Butterfly’Dnan Sports Life isoffering quality sportscoaching for the Dubainational and expatcommunity. Their highlyqualified coaches offer classes in variouswater sports including swimming for all agesand levels, as well as swim squad training,water polo, and synchronized swimming.Recently, they’ve also added basketball andtennis to their sports coaching programs.From December 22-26 Sports Life will offerclasses in ‘Butterfly’ style swimming.For more information contact Gerrievan Beek at +971 50 6257522www.sportslife-uae.comChristmas Can Be ‘Salty’ in a SpaThe Salt Cave Spa in Wafi Mall offers salttherapy sessions for kids under 14. It’sbelieved to relieve respiratory illnesses,improve skin conditions, and strengthenimmune systems. The treatment is 100% drugfree.Salt Therapy has originated fromSpeleotherapy (Greek: Speleo – Cave), wherepatients sat in natural salt caves undergroundfor healing purposes, it’s been used forcenturies in Eastern Europe as a commontreatment for relief of respiratory and skinailments.For more information +971 4 3708877mother, baby & child december 2013Events Just Got ‘Cheeky’ – CheekyLittle Events is hereWith a creative team and fantastic Britishfemale entertainers boasting well over15 years of experience in the children’sentertainment industry, Cheeky Little Events’team provides the ultimate fun experiencefor children’s parties. Established in Londonand now covering the Middle East, the eventscompany offers party and event planningservices from small scale parties to elite,luxury and exciting packages. Catering forbabies, children and teens from ages 1yr andup, they entertain at your home or find theperfect venue.36For more informationwww.cheekylittleevents.comTel: +971 4 3886114Odyssey NurseryWinter Camp FunFrom December 22-31st,Odyssey Nursery will holdits winter camp, whichpromises fun activities forchildren including SplashDay, arts & crafts, cooking,music & movement, pyjamamovie day, and picnic day.Timings: 8am to 1pm (snack & lunchincluded). *Nursery closed on Dec. 25thExciting activities:splash day arts and craftscooking music and movementpyjama movie day picnic day8am to 1pm (snack & lunch included)*priority to Odyssey kids22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30 and 31st of DecemberUmm Suqeim 2 - Str. 29b, Vi la 2 For more information ca l:Tel: 04 3488805 Mobile: 00971 56 6007657Visit facebook.com/OdysseyNurserywww.odysseynursery.comwww.odysseynursery.comTel: +971 4 3488805Mobile:+971 56 6007657www.facebook.com/OdysseyNursery

MB&C was there!The Blossom Nursery’s ‘Mean Green’Halloween PartyOn October 31st, The Blossom Nursery held itsannual Halloween ‘spooktacular’ party, with an ‘eco’theme. The Mean Green Halloween party was heldat its very own Early Learning Center, a new facilityin Dubai International Academic City. The fun-filledevent was open to the public with plenty of activitystations including trick or treat games, face painting,the Photo BOOth, Gulf Star sports, a bouncy castle,Dubai Drums, Posh Paws, and more surprises for kids.MB&C was delighted to be there and join in on allthe successful event’s spooky activities.mother, baby & child december 201338Jumeirah InternationalNurseries (JINS) Open DayA day to explore and play! JINS held afabulous Open Day on November 11 for theentire family. It was fun-filled with loads ofdiscounts and offers for parents.MB&C was there, and the event was verysuccessful.

what's poppin?mother, baby & child december 201340UCMAS - GraduationCeremony & UC Dino Art,National Competition-2013UCMAS (Universal Concept of MentalArithmetic System), an organization involvedin children’s’ skills development educationalprogrammes in the UAE for children of ages5 to 12 years, held its UCMAS GraduationDay and UC Dino Art National Competitionon November 16, 2013 at the Indian HighSchool’s Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai.Around 650 participant students, ages 4 -16,have attended the event along with theirparents, where 430 scholars were honouredand awarded with their graduation medalsand certificates.The UC Dino art Competition is an Artprogramme run by the UCMAS team tounleash the hidden potential of every childthrough drawing, sketching, colouring,painting and clay modelling. More than 80prizes were awarded to budding young artistsat the ceremony. MB&C was excited to bethere and witness all of the young talents andgifted children receive their honours.UCMAS also conducted their NationalAbacus and Mental Arithmetic Competitionfor children in the UAE during the month ofMay 2013. The event witnessed over 1,800students from all over United Arab Emirates.UCMAS programs include UCMAS - AbacusMental Arithmetic and UC Dino Art.For more information: http://ucmasuae.com/

what's poppin?Bioderma Private SaleThe experts at Bioderma held a 50% offprivate sale for its beauty-conscious clients.The exclusive sale was held on November1-2, 2013, from 10 am to 10 pm at the JWMarriott Marquis. Showcased were some ofthe best products from different ranges. Thepublic enjoyed skincare advice and heaps ofproducts.MB&C was there and we must say, there’snothing better than taking care of your skin!Abu Dhabi Alivemother, baby & child december 2013Abu Dhabi residents and visitors have experiencedan exciting four days. Taking place from 27-30November at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi Alivefeatured an exhilarating and rich programme offree health consultations, instructive presentations,and live gym classes for people of all fitnessabilities, children and adults, families and friends.The event kicked off with a live drum “orchestra”show. A wide range of healthy eating, fitness,leisure, nutritional and wellbeing companiesgathered on the same platform, to showcasetheir latest facilities and demonstrations in frontof Abu Dhabi Alive visitors. There were a host ofcompetitions on offer designed for everyone fromtoddlers to seniors.MB&C was there and we had the time of our lives!42

T-shirt & Cap Collection: 7 am onwards.Walk starts at 8 am.Plus Zumba & Yoga Sessions, Artisan Bazaar, Organic Market, Competitions and more!Gifts and Prizes: Win up to 250,000 Shukran points along with fantastic gifts!Free Blood Glucose Test: Between 7 am and 11 am at the venue.All registrations made for 22 nd November remain valid.For new registrations, log on to www.beatdiabetes.me

what's poppin?Blossom Children's NurseryEventOn November 20th, The Blossom Nurseryheld an event to commemorate Children’sDay. Officials from the Ministry of Educationattended the event, which was open to bothBlossom parents/kids and the public. Therewere lots of exhibitors at the event includingtoy stores, bookshops, households services(The Healthy Home), Herbal Products (HELPsTeas), Insurance companies, and many more.Activities included face paintings, discodancing, puppet shows, science activities, anda playground.MB&C was there and we loved the spirit! Godbless all our children.mother, baby & child december 201344

what's poppin?UAE National DayMinistry of EducationEventThe UAE Ministry of Educationheld its annual National Day eventfrom November 25-27. HH SheikhMajid bin Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum, Chairman of the DubaiCulture and Arts Authority, was theguest of honour.After singing the national anthem,several Arabic schools heldinformative presentations then sangand danced in an atmosphere of joyand traditional decorations.There were activities for childrenincluding wood carving, painting,metal carving, and crafts makingas well as a native tent made withhandmade fabric, built to showwhat Dubai had years ago. Localwomen showed the children how toweave fabric in a natural way withoutmachinery. Guests enjoyed Arabiccoffee too!MB&C was there and we fell in lovewith the UAE even more!45mother, baby & child december 2013

101* Baby Names*getting readyPre-Conception 101By Dina Maatymother, baby & child december 2013Pregnancy is a much-anticipatedstage for women, which brings asmany challenges as it does happymoments. Special measures arebeneficial to make sure the bodyis in top shape in preparation forthis exciting time.MedicalAt the pre-conception stage, it’s crucialto measure blood pressure and test forproblems. Additionally, being underweightor overweight poses a risk too, so anutritionist can help you maintain a healthy19-25 BMI range.“It's recommended that women get at least400 micrograms of folic acid per day. Thisamount is found in most multiple vitamins,but it's a good idea to read the contents tobe sure,” says Dr. Norman Solberg, OB-GYNSpecialist & American College of Obstetricsand Gynaecology Fellow. “Getting adequatefolic acid helps to prevent Spina Bifida.”Birth ControlIngesting birth control pills needs to behalted at least 3 months prior to trackingovulation. Doing the math when it comes toovulation may be tricky, but fertility rates canbe a matter of hours.“Most women should be able to calculate46their ovulation by taking note of their owncycles – it typically happens 14 days beforethe start of their next period, but of coursethere are often variations in the length ofa woman’s cycle,” says Dr. Karim Elmasry,Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist atMafraq Hospital. “If you're having difficultiesconceiving, follicular tracking scans can trackthe development and maturation of the eggfollicles.”DietAt least a month before conception, awoman needs to begin eating at least5 portions of bold, colourful fruits andvegetables a day. Drinking and smoking arehabits which take time to break, so stoppingthem a while before getting pregnant isadvisable.Eliminate or greatly reduce your intake ofsoda and caffeine as well as mould-ripenedand blue-veined cheeses, pâtés, uncookedready-prepared meals, and lightly cookedegg products. Add omega oils (found in nutsas well as soy) to your daily diet. Also, onlyeat fish with lower amounts of mercury likesalmon and herring.ExerciseAt the pre-conception stage, exercisingbecomes more important as it reduces stress

getting readyhormone (cortisol) levels inthe body and strengthens itsmuscular and cardiovascularstructure, helping it adaptto support the weight of thebaby and aid in a smootherbirth process. Start a yogaclass for pregnancy, which notonly makes you more flexible,but teaches breathingtechniques to alleviate painduring giving birth.SkinUse body creams withelements like Shea Butter,rosehip, and grapefruit seedextract. Apply almond oil,and avoid washing withextremely hot water. TheCanadian Heavy MetalHazard report found thatheavy metals such ascadmium and arsenic werecommonly found in makeupproducts, so switch to naturalbeauty and householdproducts.Palmer’s offers a fantastic apre-natal range; the stretchmark cream, stretch marklotion, and tummy butter willhelp your body moisturizeand maintain elasticity beforepregnancy.“Be sure to keep wellhydrated,” says RebeccaTreston, Aesthetician andLaser Hair Removal Specialist.“Also, invest in sunblock froma reputable skincare line. Forthose living in the UAE, theSPF should be at least 30 forday use, even during winter.”PsychologicalCases of infertility are about40 percent male-related,40 percent female and 20percent a combination ofboth partners. It usually takesa healthy couple between6 months and 1 year toconceive.Trying to get pregnant cancreate huge amounts ofstress, which has a countereffect. Rather than panicking,try to relax and incorporate adaily mind-body routine likemeditation.Always stay positive andoptimistic!Sources:Dr. Norman SolbergOB-GYN Specialist & American College ofObstetrics and Gynaecology FellowDr. Karim ElmasryObstetrics and Gynaecology SpecialistMafraq HospitalRebecca TrestonAesthetician and Laser Hair Removal SpecialistAvailable at all leading Pharmacies across U.A.E.www.mustela.com47mother, baby & child december 2013

getting ready | baby namesWhat’s in aWacky Baby’sName?By Dina Maatyfortune’ in native American, and so is Luanain German. As for boys, Ekon is African for‘strong’ and Karamat is Arabic for ‘miracle’.mother, baby & child december 2013When we think of unusualbaby names, we usually thinkcelebrities. Kim Kardashianwas deemed directionallychallengedfor naming herbaby Northwest. VictoriaBeckham took some heat afterincorporating the number ‘7’into her daughter Harper’sname in honor of her husband’sManchester shirt number. Let’stake a look at some of the mostcreative baby-naming.Baby Bouquet: Chef Jamie Oliver lovedthe floral trend so much he named his girlsPetal Blossom Rainbow, Daisy Boo Pamela,and Poppy Honey Rosie. While Rose andJasmine are typical picks, Azalea (Greek fordry earth & a flower), Gardenia, and Cloverare for bigger fans of greenery. Flowernames are mostly associated with females.Happy-Go-Lucky: Many believe inchanneling a positive spirit which wouldbring the baby fortune, beauty, joy, or otherdesirable traits and achievements. Jamilleand Kenna both mean ‘beautiful’ fromArabic and Scottish origins, respectively.Mabel comes from Spanish, and it means‘my beautiful’, while Halona is ‘of happy48Short & Sweet: Easy on the tongue, Ari isa boy’s name and it’s Norse for ‘Eagle’. Verais a Russian girls’ name of Latin origins, and ittranslates into ‘faith’ or ‘truth’. Gus is ‘majestic’,and it’s a short version of ‘Augustus’, while Bayhas two different meanings, ‘auburn-haired’ inFrench and ‘born on a Saturday’ in Vietnamese.Celeb-inspired: For celebrity lovers, Friendsstar Courtney Cox named her daughter CocoRiley. Kim Basinger went for a more culturalname, Ireland was her pick. Layla Kayleighchose Melody Rain. Alicia Silverstone namedher boy Bear Blu, while Toby McGuire wentfor Otis. You might also be aware that the lateMichael Jackson has a son named blanket.When choosing a name for your baby, thereare plenty of options to choosefrom. Apart from yourpreference, look atbaby name lists forinspiration and considerthe last name as wellas the nickname, inaddition to meaningand sound. Watchout for the spellingpitfall too!

Vegan*New Age Stroller*on the wayVegan &Pregnant:ShouldI SmellTrouble?By Dina Maatymother, baby & child december 201350Healthy mummies,rejoice! Nutritionistshave found that there’sno need to quit thevegan diet when you’repregnant. Embracedby celebrities includingOlivia Wilde and LeaMichele, this diet isappealing to manypregnant women.However, there aremany things to keep inmind before you decideto pursue it.

on the wayThe vegan diet, unlike the vegetarianvariety, prohibits animal-derivedproducts and by-products such aseggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk,wool, cosmetics, and certain soaps. Given allthe no-no’s, how could you make it work?Ann Reed Mangels, a registered dieticianand lecturer in nutrition at the University ofMassachusetts Amherst specializing in veganand vegetarian lifestyles, asserts that a vegandiet is possible without compromising yourneeds or harming your baby. Accordingto Mangels, expecting mothers shouldensure the vegan diet is not preventingrecommended weight gain rates.“I found it easiest to drink extra caloriesand treated myself to a soy milk shake inthe evening for a few weeks when weightgain was low. Other concentrated sources ofcalories include nuts and nut butters, driedfruits, and bean dips,” she says.Protein is often a concern for expecting ladiesas well. “If your diet is varied and containsgood protein sources such as soy products,beans, and grains, and you are gainingweight, you can relax and not worry aboutgetting enough protein,” Mangels adds. Asan example, if you’re looking to add 25 gramsof protein to your usual diet, try incorporating1-1/2 cups of lentils or tofu, 3-1/2 cups of soymilk, or 2 large bagels.Additionally, some of the same sources ofprotein will provide iron and vitamin D aswell, which are essential for the developmentof the baby’s bones and blood. Whole grainsand beans boost iron levels and soy productsare an excellent way to meet vitamin Dneeds. Some soy milks also contain vitaminB12 which, especially when paired with cerealfor breakfast, Mangels highly approves of forpregnant ladies.As for the much-dreaded morning sickness,Mangels advises expecting mothers to eatoften, go for cold foods to avoid strongsmells, low fat/high-carb combos, and heavilyseek foods with a yumminess factor (we hearyour sighs of relief).What if going vegan is not for you? Dr.Marjorie Greenfield, chief of obstetrics andgynaecology at University Hospitals CaseMedical Center in Cleveland, assures thatit's common for women to go vegetarianduring pregnancy. “Listening to your body isimportant,” she says. “Not feeling good canbe a sign there's something you should dodifferently.” Actress Natalie Portman didn’thesitate when her vegan diet was not helpingwith her pregnancy’s sweet cravings.During pregnancy, the Centres for DiseaseControl and Preventions recommends six to11 servings of grain products, three to fiveservings of vegetables, two to four servingsof fruits, four to six servings of milk andmilk products, and three to four servings ofprotein foods every day.Sources:Ann Reed MangelsDietician and Lecturer in NutritionUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstCompany/Medical CentreMarjorie GreenfieldChief of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity Hospitals Case Medical Center inCleveland University of Massachusetts Amherst51mother, baby & child december 2013

on the way | new age strollerThe New Age Stroller:Phil&Teds Navigator 2.0mother, baby & child december 2013Technology has brought ona number of blessings to themodern mum. With safetyand practicality as primaryconcerns, mums are on thelookout for new ways withwhich pioneering companiescan help them live their dailylives, while protecting theirchildren too.For mums lookingfor the benefits ofthe latest in theindustry, phil&teds hasunveiled the world’s firstauto stopinline,and will be launching itexclusively at Db Babies!The new navigatorbuggy features theworld’s first autostop inline;a ‘hands free’braking systemwhich is idealfor emergenciesand on-the-spotsituations.“We are delighted to have the phil&tedsNavigator available throughout Decemberexclusively at our stores in Town Centre,Jumeirah, Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in AbuDhabi,” says Jenny Haddad, Db BabiesManaging Director.The hands-free auto stop simply activatesand waits; it’s designed to engage and brakeautomatically, preventing the navigator from52unexpectedly rolling away when the handsare off the handle bar.At only 59cm wide, the navigator isstreamlined to manoeuvre through narrowentrances and busy cafes. Parents enjoythe benefits of a slim & agile buggy, andthe Navigator offers an increased seat backheight (allowing for an extra year of heightgrowth – up to 5 ½ years!) and longernewborn bed space.Additionally, Navigator 2.0 adapts fromsingle to double with over 26 riding optionsand an inline double kit for a second childwhich adapts to become a parent-facing seat,allowing parents to bond with their child asthey stroll.Phil&teds has also engineered an unrivalled‘kerb pop’ into the new navigator which isdesigned for ultra-light handling to ‘pop’ upkerbs and steps like they’re not even there.There’s also a double kit with adjustable necksupport for younger babies, a one-handedrecline, and a sun mesh for shade and privacy.Db Babies is a Dubai-based boutique withstores in Town Centre Jumeirah and Al WahdaMall, Abu Dhabi. They have a wide range ofbrands available for babies and children up to5 years of age including strollers, gift baskets,lunch accessories, and much more. Throughtheir website DbBabies.com they also offerfree delivery across the UAE.For any queries or to make a telephone orderplease call +971 50 6003199.

kitchen magic* top tips* stop & shop* hotmama fashion* hot mama beauty* hotmama fitness* bookworm* yummy mummy*in focus: mumThe Divine: BigQuestions andHow to AnswerThemBy Sharon Monteiromother, baby & child december 201354

in focus: mumWhen your kids ask youabout the Divine it would bea good thing to hug themand tell them: “I feel theDivine inside me when I holdyou”, then gently ask themabout their understandingof the Divine. Children getan understanding from theattitude of their parentstowards the Divine ratherthan their parents’ words.Most kids may just describe theDivine as an old man with a longwhite beard who punishes badkids, or other kids may think of the Divine asa Super Hero who can make wonderful thingshappen. Either way, the Divine is projectedon the outside of the child; what we need totell them is that the Divine is within us and wehave access to the Divine 24/7.A preacher told the following parable: Oncethere was a father who traveled with his sonfor miles. Each time they reached an obstacle,a river or mountain, the father lifted his sonon his shoulders and carried him through thedifficult terrain. Finally, they arrived at theirdestination: A walled castle. The gate of thecastle was shut, and there were only narrowwindows on the sides of the wall. The fathersaid: "My son, until now I’ve carried you. Nowthe only way we can reach our destination is ifyou will climb through the windows and openthe gate for me from inside."Let’s teach our children to open their gate forthe Divine to come in.Imagine if we were taught as kids that there’ssomeone bigger than Mommy or Daddy wholoved us, and if we did anything wrong he’dfeel hurt, but would still love us anyway.Imagine if we were taught to love ourselves,to appreciate ourselves, to accept ourselvesjust the way we are; what would our liveslook like right now?Most people think of the Divine as an oldman sitting and judging each human being,waiting to catch them doing somethingwrong so he can punish them. If this is howyou live your life, in fear of being punishedby the Divine, then you can very easily instillthis fear into your child.The Divine is Love – unconditional love thatdoes not judge you. In our Theta Healingcourse we’re taught that everyone is a childof the Divine and that we all have divinity inus, in our hearts.Teaching children to connect to theDivine:1. Ask your children to put their handon their heart and be aware of theirbreathing. Help them breathe in andbreathe out, and teach them to be aware oftheir outgoing breath in the movement, intheir abdomen (just below the chest).2. Tell them to imagine that there’sa secret door behind their physicalheart where the Divine is staying.3. Ask them to whisper a question tothe Divine and wait for an answer.4. Tell them that whenever they’reupset, they can place their hands ontheir heart and feel the love of theDivine filling their heart.The Vibration of Love is the highest vibration– let our children experience love – DivineLove, so, if we forget to love them, they canturn to the Divine for love.55mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: mum | kitchen magic!These days’ kids often get infections. They are frequently down with fever, cold, sore throat andother common infections. This is mainly because there are gaps in their nutrition. The immunityof a child largely depends on the food he eats. PediaSure Complete is clinically proven to reducethe no. of sick days and incidence of infections in children. Presenting some nutritious recipesfrom PediaSure Complete:Macaroni & CheesePrep time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesmother, baby & child december 201356¾ cup (100g) macaroni pasta1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon plain flour1 cup milk2 scoops PediaSure½ cup grated tasty cheese2 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs2 tablespoons grated tastycheese, extra1.Cook macaroni in boiling wateraccording to pack directions. Drain;rinse well.2.Melt butter in a small saucepan.Remove from heat and stir in flour.Gradually stir in milk. Return to amedium heat and stir constantly untilboiling. Lower heat and simmer for2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.3.Stir PediaSure and cheese intosauce. Mix macaroni with sauce andpour into a lightly greased 2-cupcapacity oven proof dish.4.Combine breadcrumbs and extra gratedtasty cheese, sprinkle over macaroni. Bake at200°C for 5-10 minutes, until golden brownand hot.Nutrition content per serve:Total Fat29gSaturated fat17gTotal Carbohydrate 52gPotassium370mgSodium438mgProtein22g

in focus: mum6.Peel, core and grate apples and addstraight into the wet mixture.7.Make a well in the centre of dry mixture,pour in wet mixture and fold in very gentlyuntil combined (do not overwork batter).Apple MuffinsTotal time: 25 minutesPrep time: 10 minutes2 cups plain flour1 tbsp baking powder1 tsp ground cinnamon12 cup brown sugar1 cup milk1 scoop PediaSure125 grams butter1 eggs2 apples1.Preheat oven to 2000C.2.Grease a 12 hole muffin pan.3.Sift flour, baking powder and cinnamoninto a bowl, then stir in brown sugar.8.Pour into muffin pan until each hole isapprox 3/4 full.9. Bake for 15 mins, or until golden on top.10.Rest in the pan for a couple of minutesthen turn onto a wire rack to cool.Nutrition content per serve:Total Fat9gSaturated fat6gTotal Carbohydrate 27gDietary Fiber1gSugars10gProtein3gPediaSure Complete can also be preparedas a drink. Prepare it Right by adding 5scoops of PediaSure with 190 ml cold water(previously boiled) to provide completenutrition for your child and complete peace ofmind for you. (Suggested servings- 2 per day)4.Melt butter and lightly beat egg.5.Combine butter, egg and milk withPediaSure.Available in 4 fl avors:Vanilla, Chocolate,Honey, Strawberry.57mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: mum | kitchen magic!Magnolia BakeryCrinkle RecipeMakes 48 cookies1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder2 cups White sugar½ vegetable oil4 eggs2 tsp. Vanilla extract2 cups all purpose flour2 tsp. Baking powder½ tsp. Salt½ powdered sugarmother, baby & child december 2013581.In a small bowl whisk together 2 cupsflour, 2 tsp. baking powder and ½ tsp.salt. Set aside.2. In a medium size stainless steelbowl whisk together 1 cup cocoa, 2 cupswhite sugar and ½ cup vegetable oil.3. Add the eggs one at a time,whisking slightly after each.4. Stir in the vanilla just until mixed.5. Stir the flour mixture into the cocoamixture.6. Cover dough and chill for at least 30minutes7. Preheat oven to 325 degrees8. Using the small scoop, scoop androll into a one inch ball.9. Roll the balls in powdered sugar coatinggenerously.10. Line a sheet tray with parchment paperand bake for 10-12 minutes just until set.Watch these cookies carefully. They are likea brownie and are better when the center isjust barely set. The cookies will “crack” on topexposing the soft chocolate center.Treats available by order until December 31at Magnolia Bakery located in Bloomingdale’sHome - Dubai, The Dubai Mall and Level 1, atThe Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Abu DhabiTel: 971 4 350 5440 & 971 2 6749380

in focus: mumSno-Cap cupcakes4 cups cake flour2 cups Dutch process cocoa powder1 tbsp baking soda1 tsp salt1 ½ cups butter, room temperature3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed1 cup granulated sugar6 eggs1 tbsp + 1 tsp pure vanilla extract3 cups buttermilk1. convection oven to 275 degrees.2. Butter, flour and line cake pans withparchment paper or line cupcake pans withpapers.3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoapowder, baking soda and salt; sift and set aside.4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with apaddle attachment, cream together the butter,granulated sugar, and brown sugar on speed 2(medium), until light and fluffy; about 5 minutes.5. Scrape the sides and bottom of bowl.6. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well aftereach addition.7. Add vanilla and mix until just incorporated.8. Scrape the sides and bottom of bowl.9. After reducing mixer to speed 1 (low),add the dry ingredient mixture in 3 additions,alternating with the buttermilk.10. Scrape the sides and bottom of bowl andbeat for an additional 30 seconds.11. Divide batter into prepared pans accordingto amounts below.12. Bake according to times listed below oruntil cake tester comes out clean.Meringue Icing582 g sugar1 cup water¾ tsp cream of tartar210 g egg whites1 tbsp vanilla extract1. Preheat a burner on high for 10 minutes.2. In a medium saucepan, combine thesugar, water, and cream of tartar. Stir tomoisten all of the sugar. Heat to boiling onmedium-high heat, without stirring.3. Meanwhile put egg whites and extractin the 8 qt. mixer bowl fitted with whiskattachment.4. Insert a candy thermometer into theboiling sugar. Do not stir the mixture at all.5. When the sugar syrup reaches 223 F.,turn the mixer on to high speed.6. When the syrup reaches 228 degrees,remove it from the heat. The egg whitesshould now be fluffy, about 1/3 of the way upthe bowl, and almost white. Gradually pourthe hot syrup into the beating egg whites.7. Mix on high speed for 2-3 minutes.The icing is finished when it pulls away fromthe sides of the mixer bowl and “puffs up”in the center. There will be very firm peaksthat slightly curl on the ends when the whiskattachment is removed.8. This icing must be used immediately.59mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: mumeco zen* holistic motherhood* mind & body*health & wellbeing*top tips for mumBy Nathalie Hodgsonmother, baby & child december 2013A BeliefSystemIs it true that having certainbeliefs in our lives may limit ourpersonal growth? Things likereligious or political beliefs caneasily be recognized, but thereare many internal beliefs we aren’tconsciously aware of. Many of ushave beliefs like “I will never begood enough” or “bad thingsalways happen to me. Many of usfall into this place of truly livingon these beliefs even when yourlife has evolved to “no beliefs areworth having at all.”When we push ourselves to haveno beliefs at all, then we mayfind ourselves confused and offbalance. Here are just some I take on board:The only reliable element of life is change.Everything in the world is constantly evolving.Just as the seasons change, so do people,places, and things. We cannot stop it orcontrol it, but rather move with the flow ofthis natural evolution.Nothing is absolute. People die,relationships end, and we discover that60what we thought works actually causes moreproblems than it solves. The universe willchange and adjust as we do.The world is filled with endless possibilitiesfor creation. Simply, if we believe that anythingis possible then nothing actually is impossible.If we believe nothing is impossible, then wecreate the mindset needed to create theseemingly impossible.We are always supported. Leaving religiousor spiritual beliefs aside, if we believe that theuniverse will always support us, then it releasesany fear we may have of doing something. Ifwe believe that we can jump and something isthere to catch us, then it makes it easier for usto jump.We deserve the life of our dreams. If webelieve that we deserve everything that we’veever dreamed of, then we hold no limitationson actually making that a reality.Create your own heaven. This is a beliefworth having. When we believe heaven isalready right here on earth, right now then wecan actually create and make it seen to morepeople.Nathalie Hodgson, is a writer, mother, PR& Marketing consultant and yoga instructor,juggling this whilst raising two kids andenjoying the most of life, she can be contactedon natsavy@hotmail.com.

in focus: mumMind & BodyTipCreating PositiveRealitiesby Zaina Shihabiautomatically start feeling negative emotionsand this in turn creates stress within us, whichaffects our body and overall health in differentways.”Have you ever noticed that when youwake up in a bad mood, the dayjust seems to get worse? Does thishave anything to do with the energy we giveout through our negative thoughts? Can wecontrol this energy?Clinical Hypnotherapist, Energy Healer &Wellbeing Consultant Amrit Chand explainsthat as human beings, we are made up of anintegration of the mind, body and soul, andsince they are inter-connected, they have adirect influence on each other. It is the synergyof these three factors that ultimately make uswho we are.“Similarly,” explains Chand, “Our thoughtsand feelings are also energy produced bybrainwaves. When we think positive thoughtswe feel positive feelings and exude positiveenergy; the same applies to negative thoughtsand feelings. If we feel negative thoughts weChand goes on to explain that the nature ofenergy is such that what you give out to theuniverse is exactly what you create. If you giveout positive thoughts and energies you willcreate a positive reality therefore the way wethink has a profound influence of the quality oflife that we live. “Everything in our universe isa manifestation of our internal states of being,”says Chand.“In order to live a happy and peaceful life it isvital for us to think positively and have a positiveattitude towards everything,” advises Chand.“Repeating positive affirmations daily is apowerful technique to bring into your life all thatyou desire, to live a life of happiness, abundanceand inner peace.”Source:Amrit ChandClinical Hypnotherapist, Energy Healer & Wellbeing ConsultantMiracles Center61mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: mum | top tipsHolistic Motherhood TipLet’s Celebrate the Spirit of Christmasby Sharon MonteiroWe at our Holistic Center are starting a ‘PAY ITFORWARD’ campaign in December, where we’llbe offering free healing sessions to empowerpeople in all aspects of their lives such asrelationships, careers, finance or even findingtheir purpose. We would then ask this person topay it forward in any way they feel. To spread thepower of pay it forward the people who receivedthe sessions could put down a down payment ordonation towards a workshop or personal healingsession for a friend.mother, baby & child december 2013Christmas, my child, is love inaction. Every time we love, everytime we give, it’s Christmas….Dale EvansI recently made friends with a philanthropistwho brings the Christmas spirit throughoutthe year to people in genuine financial needand he asks for nothing in return.Is he rich? No – he is your average salaryperson. If you offer to pray for him andhis family he say’s ‘Thank You’ with suchhumbleness and he is only 34 years old!Christmas to me is sharing and caring thewhole year through. It’s about being goodto one another, it’s about kindness, and it’sabout love.62People look for happiness outward but believeme when you share and care you feel a warmglow inside – it’s called love.Let your child experience this love byacknowledging somebody in their lives with agift or card. Ask them if it would be ok if theyreceived one less present from you and use thismoney to bring joy to someone else.For more information:www.facebook.com/groups/ThirdEyeDubai/sharonrose.monteiro@yahoo.comSharon Monteiro is a certified Teacher of the Lawof Attraction, NLP Practitioner, Theta Healer,trained EFT Practitioner and Life Coach

in focus: mumEat Your Way toHealthy!By Tori LeckieWriter, blogger, runner, traveler, yoga junkie, planteater & lover of lifeAs a wellness warrior and a passionateadvocate of living a green life, itsaddens me to see that so many expatkids today lack an education in what they eat,why they eat and where their food comes from.Thanks to the ‘luxury’ of endless varieties ofproduce in our giant supermarkets all yearround, even as grown-ups, we’re often unawareof what’s even seasonal anymore! Living herein the UAE, it’s really important that we allmake smart choices in this regard, not only forourselves but for our family & friends too.My top tips when it comes to eco zenfriendlyeating are these:• Choose organic, local and seasonal producewherever possible. It’s free of pesticides,supports our community, and eliminates foodmiles. There are wonderful farms in the UAEproducing incredible produce for much of theyear.• Learn to preserve and store food. There’s somuch unnecessary food waste, which would beavoided with some forward planning. Blanch andthen freeze veggies for example, if you thinkyou won’t eat them during their best days.• Always take reusable bags to thesupermarket. And recycle whenever possible.Remember that wonderful song by JackJohnson, titled ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle….’• Use proper dish-cloths over paper towels.They’re more absorbent, easier to wash andkinder to the environment.• Get al fresco. Outdoor grills use far lessenergy than grilling indoors and with ourwonderful cooler weather now, there’s just noexcuse not to take it outside!• Feed the worms. Don’t waste the inedibleparts of fruits and veggies. Start a minicompost and nourish your garden and theenvironment. It’s fun for the kids too!• Start your own little veggie or herb patch.Children love getting their hands dirty andit’s much more fun to see the fruits of yourlabour and home-grown is always the tastiest!www.fitchicksandfastwomen.com63mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: mumFiona Handbagby Vince CamutoPink Ringby LialiCambridge Satchel‘UAE National Day’editions exclusively forBloomingdale’s-DubaiClutchby Thomas BlakkAutumnWinterCollectionby PromodPink Motiby Ted Bakermother, baby & child december 201364VinceCamutoSoft Sleep Collectionby Women’s Secret

S T Y L E T I P Sin focus: mum5 SavvyShoppingStrategiesShopping is overwhelming atthe best of times, but these fivestrategies can help you makeexcellent wardrobe choices:• Make the final decision at home: If you don’tlike something in your own mirror, you probablywon’t wear it. Be disciplined about returningitems that don’t make the grade.• Focus on fit, not size: Style is beyond size.Achieve perfect fit instead of fixating on the sizetag. Don’t be afraid to have clothing altered ifthe fit off the rack isn’t perfect.• Don’t be swayed by low prices: If youcompromise your fit and style standards justbecause something is inexpensive, you’ll end upwasting your money at any price.• Spend money on bras, shoes, handbags,watches and spectacles: These are the itemsthat increase your style quotient no matter what.Purchase the best that you can afford and watchtheir cost-per-wear whittle down to nothing.• Find better bargains online where sales aremore frequent: Stalk the items that you love,wait for them to go on random one-day sales,punch in a discount coupon code and enjoy yournew purchase for much, much less.Mobile: +971502466196www.ninaiskander.com65mother, baby & child december 2013

MUMKenwood kMixKenwood has taken a fashionable approachtowards cooking this season. Instead of the oldfashionedwhite and silver cookware, the kMix linecomes in vibrant colors and textures for an addedflair to the kitchen decor. The brand promises thesame practicality it has always guaranteed.For more information:www.kenwoodworld.com/uk/All-Products/kMix-by-Kenwood/Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oilsmother, baby & child december 2013ZARA Home ‘Navidad’Christmas-ey little things are all over the place.Scatter some holiday decorations around yourhome to welcome the holidays with fresh interiors.ZARA Home’s ‘Navidad’ (Spanish for Christmas)items include tree decorations and cutlery.66Skin gurus at Palmer’s have developed SkinTherapy Oils to keep your body in shape at alltimes!The Skin Therapy Oil is an advanced, multipurposeskin perfection product that can beused all over the body, including the face. Thispreservative-free, lightweight formula containsan exclusive blend of key ingredients for scars,stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, unevenskin tone, aging skin, as well as fine lines andwrinkles.Thanks to a combination of natural CocoaButter, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E and natural oils,Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is quickly taken up bythe skin. Even old scars are noticeably reduced!

Available atand leading retail outletsSole Distributor for Middle East - Trucare FZC,Tel: +971 6 5263945, Fax: +971 6 5263946, Email:trucare@emirates.net.ae

in focus: mumPaese Adore3D Lash MascaraLakme 9 to5CAlessandro InternationalCosmetics Dream CreamGold dust, caviar, and diamondpowder Dream Collection for handand nail care.Paese CosmeticsBronzerMYCMMYCYCMYPhillips Pro StraightenersKMustela Stretch Marks Care Oilmother, baby & child december 201368For pregnant women who want toprotect their skin’s beauty againststretch marks, Mustela offers a uniquebeauty and stretch marks care oilspecifically formulated to see you andyour baby safely through pregnancy.This rich and yet naturally dry oil ismade up of a cocktail of precious100% natural vegetable oils(sunflower, avocado, baobab, rosehipseed & pomegranate).- 100% natural oils - Free from mineraloils and silicone- Composed of 99% natural originingredients- Hypoallergenic - Tested underdermatological and gynaecologicalsupervision- Safe to use while breastfeeding- Vitamin E: known for its powerfulantioxidant effectEnriched with Lupeol; a naturalpatented ingredient that activatesproduction of the skin’s support fibres,helping it to withstand stretching toimprove skin elasticity.

Cook’s Kitchen1 (Let’s Pretend)Cottage Kitchen3 (Let’s Pretend)2Big City Garage(Action and Adventure)Key-Boom-Board4 (Music and Learning)Magic Dolly Duplex6 (Let’s Pretend)Sensory Ball Pit8 (Baby & Toddler)Rosebud House5 (Let’s Pretend)7Baby Grace Doll(Let’s Pretend)910Lexibook Tablet(Learning is Fun)Lights & Sounds Walker(Baby & Toddler)Early Learning Centre MECash Register11 (Let’s Pretend)elctoysmeClown Slide &Hoop Bouncer12 (Sport & Activity)69mother, baby & child december 2013

Your Workout:Pre-natal ExercisesBy PURE Fitnessmother, baby & child december 201370Cat/CamelGet on all fours so there is no unnecessaryposition discomfort – the hands and knees aredirectly below the shoulders and hips and arekept body width apart. Becky simply exhales,then flexes her spine and creates the ‘cat’ stretchpulling her spine up towards the ceiling relievingthe intervertebral pressure. She then relaxesdown into the Camel where the head and hipsform the 2 humps of a camel.Benefits: Back reliefWhen: Throughout pregnancyPush-upBack is straight, her arms are correctlyplaced and her neck is strong and notjerking around. As time progresses (or ifyou haven’t exercised much beforehand),the wall push-up is the perfect modification.If the correct position and technique ismaintained, the challenge of this alone ismore than enough to train the chest andshoulder girdle. Becky keeps her feet hipdistance apart, shoulder blades contracteddown, long neck and arms bending to 90degrees in line with the shoulders.Benefits: Strengthening shoulder girdleWhen: Adjust to trimester; floor push-up forearly stages if technique can be maintainedwww.purefitnessuae.comPLEASE CONSULT DOCTOR BEFOREEXERCISING

Winner!Leanirni PedrosoBeing a mother to them was such a hard thing, but also the best thing forme to be proud of. Having them was such a blessing. Giving birth doesn’tautomatically make you a mother! Being a mother means taking care of yourkids, cuddling, watching them grow, playing and arguing with them, beingthere in both good and bad, and most importantly, showing them yourunconditional love every second every day.71mother, baby & child december 2013

The Night Before Christmas inCrochetby Clement C. Moore & Mitsuki Hoshibookworm mumThe First Phone CallFrom Heavenby Mitch AlbomThis storybook and guide, withthe help of the sweetest littlecrocheted characters, tells theclassic story ’Twas The NightBefore Christmas’ in the mostunforgettable way. By following the easyinstructions provided, you can create yourown little sweet display for the holidayswhich everyone will absolutely adore!Harper Collins PublishersAvailable at KinokuniyaWhat if you could talk to someonewhose voice you never thought you’dhear ever again; that our loved oneswho have passed on could communicatewith us from the beyond? When thephones started ringing in the small townof Coldwater, Michigan, people wereshocked to learn that these calls werecoming from those who were no longerliving. Mitch Albom once again leaves hisreaders on the edge of their seats withthis unusual story of human connectionthat transcends earthly boundaries.HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at KinokuniyaShakeby Carli DavidsonEat to Live Cookbookby Joel Fuhrman, M.D.mother, baby & child december 2013Dog lovers; this bookis for you! Shake is acollection of photos taken of 61 dogs asthey are in mid-shake creating a completelydifferent visual take on man’s best friend.Photographer Carli Davidson got the ideafor this book after watching her dog Norbertshake thousands of times and realisingthat photographing animals in mid-motioncaptures an unusual moment, one whichallows us to see our lovable pets fromdifferent angles and perspectives.HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at Kinokuniya72When you choose recipesfrom Eat to Live, you’rechoosing a combination offoods that are not only fullof nutrients, but ones thatwill also keep you healthyand prevent diseases. Fromsimple guidelines on what to include inyour daily intake and what to avoid, toeasy-to-follow recipes which will help youreach optimum health, Dr. Fuhrman’s Eatto Live is your go-to guide for healthyliving.HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at Kinokuniya

Mumtiples* Emirati Family*the new familyThoughts on Healthfrom a Tired Mom of TwoBy Mariam Hassan and FamilyNothing affects parents morethan a child who is unwell. Nowimagine all these piercing cries of“mama” in the middle of the nightare doubled or tripled with neverenough time to really calm andsettle one child before the otherstarts screaming. Welcome to theworld of twin parenting!The daily routine of nursery, activities, andmeals is challenging to say the least, butwhen your children get ill, you’ll needto master the art of catering to two unsettledtoddlers, a maid, cook, and cleaner, all at thesame time. Whenever I need to pull off those24-hour mommy shifts without a break, I secretlywish I’d studied medicine or at least taken acourse in pediatric nursing to know my wayaround the mystifying maze of cough syrups,suppositories, and syringes.General advice to all expectant and newmothers; I would suggest looking for atrustworthy pediatrician and trying to find ahospital near you with a well-recommendedAccident & Emergency department. If yourkids are not scared of the doctor and count thepediatric nurses among their friends, then you’veprobably found the perfect pediatric clinic.Expect Twin1 to catch acold and Twin2 to developexactly thesame symptomsonly a few dayslater, depleting whatever energy reservesyou had left in only a fraction of the timeit took for you to build them up. However,you’ll learn very quickly that you’remuch stronger than you’ve ever thoughtpossible. But no matter how well set upyou are with doctors and hospitals, nothingprepares you for that piercing heartacheyou feel when your twins are sick and youspend nights stretched between two cotsto hold their tiny hands for comfort, butcannot take away their pain.Therefore, in the spirit of the Season, wehope that Santa Claus brings all childrennot only their favorite bicycles and Barbiedolls, Lego blocks and Lightning McQueencars, but also a generous heap of health,the biggest gift of all that we are often toocaught up in the stresses of our daily livesto truly be grateful for.73mother, baby & child december 2013

the new family | Emirati PrideEmirati Family…RulesBy Dina Maaty“In Emirati culture, family is themost important thing,” Sandratold me as her 16-month-olddaughter Mariam hopped fromone high-chair to another inan effort to sneak to the mall’sescalator. With big, dark browneyes and a coy smile, Mariam hadbeen watching her mum recountthe story of her integration intoone of the Middle East’s mostwell-founded identities.Sandra is British, but her flowing abayaand strong Emirati accent tell adifferent story. She’d met her Emiratihusband, Khalifa, in a modern fairytale-styleencounter in the desert. “I was 16, and mycollege had organized a trip. Khalifa wasthere by pure chance; his friend had askedhim to come along because his Land Cruiserwould have more room,” she remembered.Fate had other plans for her desert-lovinghusband; when his sand duning didn’timpress the young cinnamon-skinned Brit,he instructed the entire group to exit thecar, except for Sandra. “He then reversedon a dune, and was happy to see that Iwas finally screaming,” she laughed. Fiveyears later, Sandra married Khalifa, and theywelcomed their first daughter Shamsa, now4 years old.Like all Emirati couples, they waited forthe UAE land scheme’s provision to beginbuilding their home. Soon to be completed,Sandra hopes her home will bring moremotherhood joys. “I wouldn’t change it forthe world,” she smiled, stopping every nowand then to show me some family photos.“Before it was movies, shopping, manicures,but now I only skim through the women’saisle at H&M if it’s next to the kids’,” Sandramused.mother, baby & child december 201374Shamsa & MariamBut this feeling was also accompanied bythe new bride’s attempt to fit into a newfamily system. “I’d lived in the UAE for 18years, so I’ve always felt like I belongedhere, like I’ve almost earned my Emiratinationality,” she said. “My husband is very

the new familyunderstanding, but I had to be aware of the factthat there were two women in his life, his mother,and I,” Sandra added. A typical Emirati family,Khalifa’s kin were very accepting of his wife.“They still stay true to their roots,” she said.“Females need to cover up in the presence ofmales. I try to teach Shamsa to sit properly andrespectfully.” Sandra’s older hazel-haired daughter,who already takes part in horseback riding,swimming, and Taekwondo, dreams of serving hercountry as a policewoman like her uncle. Given theclose family interaction in Emirati culture, it’s onlynatural that children look up to their relatives.“An Emirati house is never empty. Especially onFridays, we all gather at Khalifa’s parents’ house forhuge trays of food,” Sandra said naming majboosand biryani as regulars on the cutlery-free menu.“I often bring pasta or pizza for my children, butsome 3-year-olds eat these very spicy foods withouthesitation,” she chuckled. However, spicy food isthe least of Sandra’s concerns.“I want to instill older values into my children’s lives;respect elders and make time for grandparents.I want them to learn Arabic, and cling onto thetraditions of this amazing culture,” she hopes, alsoexpressing worries over their socialization withinEmirati society given their mixed background.“Their jalabiyas and burqas are ready for theNational Day. I’ve started to braid UAE flagcolouredhair bands,” she showed.In Sandra’s own words, the Emirati mother is loyal,strong-willed, and compassionate. “I’m proud to bepart of this nation, I love its desert and hospitality,”Sandra added, giving one more example of how theUAE has embraced each and every one of us. Walksof life gather here, and it’s beyond beautiful.

Self-hypnosis* Maternity Wardrobe*in focus: birthSelf-Hypnosis:YourGatewayto an EasyDeliveryBy Dina Maatymother, baby & child december 201376“My daughter,still so little, wassleeping next tome, her little bodycurled up peacefully.As my contractionsincreased inintensity, I remembercrying. I love herso much. I held hertight, and hopedthat she would enjoybeing a big sister.”Olivia

in focus: birth“That night, I cried and was quite emotionalbecause I was wondering if I was in someway preventing labour from starting. WasI scared? Was I just not ready? I had agood cry and created a birth collage withintentions for how I wanted the birth to go.”JaniceWe’ve all heard the horror stories concerningchildbirth; it feels like your bones are breaking,a thousand times worse than menstrual pain,and nothing short of a ‘Carrie’ movie. However,many experts claim this is far from being true; ifyou know the secrets, that is.Marica applies certain tactics in her workshopsand private sessions: Bodywork such as yogaand Pilates, breathing techniques, selfhypnosis,visualizations, and affirmations.Such techniques are believed to be of valuefor other situations in life as well. “You giveyourself the time and space to connectwith your own body and your unborn baby.When you know how to put yourself in deeprelaxation at any time and when you’recompletely fearless, you can more easily let goof control during birth and let your baby andyour body do their inborn abilities for birth,”she points out.According to Iluminations Dubai ClinicalHypnotherapist Marica Sandholm, childbirthis a natural, and the unconscious and/orconscious fear of giving birth is the main causeof any pain. “When fear is present, pain ispresent. All kinds of fear create tension in thebody through activation of our sympatheticnervous system. Blood is then directed awayfrom the uterus which then becomes tenseinstead of opening up for the natural birthingprocess,” she says.So now that we have an alternative, could it bethat we’ll finally put childbirth fears behind us?References:Marica SandholmClinical Hypnotherapistwww.naturalbirthstories.comSo how can you release these stories fromyour system? Marica credits childbirthhypnosis for many successful experiences.“Your mind controls your body, 88% of yourmind is subconscious and, in addition, thesubconscious is 6000 times stronger than yourconscious mind. The subconscious mind storesall your experiences and beliefs,” she explains.Since our experiences are manifested by thesubconscious, altering it results in a smootherexperience.“When you work with your mind throughhypnosis, which is tailor-made for everyindividual pregnant woman depending onher needs, you can basically create any outerexperience you wish for,” she adds. Rejectingfear and replacing it with positivity channelsconfident and reassurance.

in focus: birth | Maternity WardrobeLevel Up YourMaternityWardrobeBy Dina Maatymother, baby & child december 2013Buying clothes which make youfeel comfortable during pregnancyand afterwards is only natural.Maternity clothes are a breathof fresh air for any woman asshe gets through her morningsickness, bulging belly, and morestubborn-than-everlove handles.Whether from the ‘maternity’ aisleor otherwise, there are some itemsthat’ll make life easier as they canalso be worn when your body getsback to its pre-conception shape,and some others which you mayalready have, and can choose tokeep on wearing!Tunics: They come in all shapes and sizes;one of the most versatile pieces you can own.Either cinched at the waist for definition, orwithout a belt to hide a growing belly, tunicscan be worn with leggings when your bodyis slimmer and with Bootcut/Wide Leg pantswhen you’re overweight. Many styles featureAsian patterns/Middle Eastern embroidery atthe neckline and/or sleeves to distract fromthese areas as well.78Leggings: There are so many stylesout there that it’s confusing, but if you’relooking for comfort, go for cotton leggingsin dark shades which fall at the ankles.Many leggings have a flexible elastic waist,and are a great option to hide problemareas when worn with a longer top. Avoidjeggings, these are the ‘evil cousins’ ofleggings, and their material and fit will notdo you justice unless you’re very slim.Maxi Dresses: The cutest option forpregnant women out there, maxi dressescome in so many colors, and most of themflow over the body without oddly hangingon to one area. Don’t go for silk, straightcuts, but rather softer styles and hues. Anempire waist will draw attention to thebelly/bust, so make sure the dress doesn’thighlight a certain area.Blazers: The ever-so-chic item! Pickdarker colored blazers for a more pulledtogether look. Make sure the sleeves arewide enough to accommodate any bloating,and that the shoulder pads are not too high.Longer blazers offer more versatility as theycan be worn later over leggings and boots.As a general rule of thumb, classics are thebest items for a smooth transition. Don’tgo for extremes and make sure you enjoydressing up!

Apricot &Chamomile BodyWashA refreshing bathfor your baby canimprove their mood inan instant. UK-basedcompany The OrganicPharmacy’s rangeincludes a number ofproducts to leave yourbaby with smoother,fruit-smelling skin. Theadded Chamomileis for calming andsoothing.SparklesFor a festive cheer and beautifully designedclothes, visit Sparkles. A laden of bargains aswell as beautiful dresses and elegant shoes,in addition to crowns, wands, and jewels foryour princess. Delightful gifts for your lovedones, for everyday or a special occasion. Paythem a visit at their magical palace full oftreats at Lamcy Plaza on the first floor. TelNo: 04 396 5599mother, baby & child december 2013Cossato“Cosatto, my dear friends, is 93% inspiration, 6%sparkle, 4% cups of tea and 2% genius.” – WillyWonkaCosatto products:1. Pushchairs2. Car seats3. High chairs4. Nursery5. FurnitureBaby Stuff: It’s what we know,love and do well.Glorious Technicolour:Colour’s where you find us. Webelieve having a baby is a celebration. We are notplain pushchair people.Seize the Day: Have wheels, will travel. We loveplaying out. We are on a FUNdamental mission toboldly go where no pushchair has gone before.Responsibility: We try to do the best we can.80We are committed to sustainability and improvingnonsensical business methods.Friendly Folk: Tired of talk to the hand? Same here.We believe in community. Ring us and interact witha real human.Dare to be Different: Ditch the drab. Life’s too shortfor dull stuff. We throw down our polka dot, contraststriped, colourtastic gauntlet. There’s s only oneCosatto.Evolution: Survival of the brightest. We’re constantlydeveloping our products. We’re wide awakelisteningto you, watching the world and honing ourhappy stuff.Quirky: We have a bright young design team ofstyle navigators. Only the freshest talent makes theCosatto cut. Much imitated never bettered.Curiosity Created Cosatto: We are curious. We loveideas. We will never stop learning. We’re wanderingin awe at the world around us.Visit us during the Mother, Baby & Child showDecember (12-14) stand number E24!! Are youready to get great discount during the show?

we are finalyin dubaiCOME SEE US @ Mother, Baby and Child ShowDecember (12 -14)Stand E24cosatto yo!bizzy bettyCosatto GigglePushchair-All Stareasi peasireturnofzutonCosatto Supa DupaTwin Pushchair-BogglesCosatto GigglePushchair-PabloAvailable on:www.mumzworld.comwww.Souq.comwww.ezonebaby.com

Nature* Gingersnaps*in focus: toddlerNature’sClassroomBy Asma Maladwala, InspireChildren’s Nurserymother, baby & child december 201382

Living in the UAE, many ofus spend much of the yearavoiding the outdoors.However, when the weatherbegins to cool, there’s nothingmore enjoyable than beingable to take in the sun and takeadvantage of the incredibleweather. Not only is thisenjoyable for adults, but youngchildren too! The squeals ofexcitement and joy every time agroup of children goes outsideto play at the nursery aresecond to none!At Inspire, we feel as though we spendthe year counting down to ‘outdoorweather’, and as soon as we can, ourchildren start enjoying outdoor activities, fromsplashing around in the pool, to gardening,nature exploration and good ol’ free play.We’re firm believers in the benefits of takinglearning outdoors, and especially keepingin mind the challenges around childhoodobesity and diabetes, believe it’s our sharedresponsibility with our families to ensure ourchildren develop healthy habits from a youngage. In addition to learning about healthyfood through our ‘farmer’s garden’, where thechildren grow their own fruits and vegetables,the children also have plenty of time and spaceto run around and be physically active. Theseopportunities to practice physical skills areperfect opportunities for children to developmotor functioning, and in fact, research hasshown that children who spend more timeoutdoors have greater physical developmentand independence.Aside from promoting healthy habits aroundnutrition and exercise, outdoor play andlearning serves many other advantages. In thisworld of thinly-stretched natural resources andin focus: toddlera rapidly degrading environment, it’s crucialthat we instill environmentalism and anappreciation for nature in our children from avery young age. What better way to do thisthan to allow them opportunities to engagewith and understand nature, learn aboutconservation through recycling, compostingand growing their own vegetables, andproduce artistic masterpieces throughrecycled objects? Furthermore, if we wantour children to learn about the world, howelse would we teach them but to allow themto interact with it – water, earth, air (notfire!)? Children learn best through hands-onexperiences, and this applies to seeminglymore abstract concepts as well. Whileconcepts such as osmosis and evaporationmay seem too complex for nursery-agedchildren, when children actually explore suchconcepts through hands-on learning, theybecome remarkably simple to make sense of.With the set-up of our outdoor classroomwhere children get to explore, plant, build,and create, we maximize their learningopportunities in the sun. When safety ismade a priority and children are wearingappropriate clothing and sun protection, andprovided ample opportunities to hydrate,there is no better learning environment thannature’s classroom!Asma Maladwala is Co-Founder of InspireChildren’s Nursery. She has a Master’s inSpecial Education from Columbia University(New York), and a Bachelor’s in ChildDevelopment from The University of Texasat Austin. She’s a teacher at heart and lovesnothing more than working with children!83mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: toddler | GingersnapsGingersnapsGingersnaps has been offering fashionable children’s clothing andmaternity wear since 2004. Find them in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & SharjahGingersnaps was born out of deep passion for fashionable children’s clothing and maternity wear.Fashion is exciting, ever changing, constantly evolving. Trendy, global, fashion-forward - we believethis is how children’s clothing should be. With the convenience of travel and the fact that we live in anera where consumers are more global and discriminating, children’s retail must now meet this demand.Retail must be elevated to a total experience, not only with regards to the products, but with the storesetting, service, packaging, and visual merchandising as well. With this thought, our concept was born.mother, baby & child december 201384

TODDLER & CHILDMothercareHoliday collectionFurby by Toys R UsAvailable atMumzworldBuild-a-BearWorkshopLacoste HolidayCollectionLeapPad Ultra LifestyleLeapFrog for children’s learning tablets has launchedLeapPad Ultra. Recommended for children aged four tonine years old, the new LeapPad Ultra is kid-tough andready right out of the box with LeapSearchô by Zuiô,a proprietary kid-safe web browser. LeapPad Ultra isavailable in the UAE and works with LeapFrog’s library ofmore than 500 high-quality content experiences designedor approved by LeapFrog’s learning experts.85mother, baby & child december 2013

Siblings*Applications* stop & shop* toptips* slick kid of the month* slick kidsfashion* kiddie flicks picks* bookwormjunior* mama & me get busy* birthdays*in focus: childSibling Wars:How to Put an Endto JealousyBy Dina MaatyGreen often means trouble; follow these simple tips and say goodbyeto your children’s sibling jealousy woes.Keep an Eye Out – signs which ring an alarmAggressiveness: Does your child get easily worked upabout the most trivial matters? An increased sense ofcompetitiveness paired with uncontrollable urges toviolently lash out is a definite pointer towards a majorproblem.Hyperactivity: When your childsuddenly seems to havedeveloped the ability toclimb walls, specifically whenprovoked by certain situationswhere the sibling is present.mother, baby & child december 201386Detachment: Some childrenare shy by nature, but extremeintroversion expressed inthe form of loneliness andreluctance to participate incommon activities with thesibling is usually indicative of a moresuppressed form of jealousy.

in focus: child | siblingsNarcissism: A quality which sometimesgoes unnoticed; the child will suddenlystart placing a heightened and sporadicemphasis on the ego (me first, it’s mine…).The Reasons Why – it’s never toolate to mitigateNew Baby: This automatically translatesinto less love and attention for the olderchild, even if it’s not evident to you.- Rather than dismissing the changesas vagaries that will soon disappear, tryto plant love for the new baby in his/her heart. Involve the child in the baby’supbringing as you closely monitor thesituation. It’s often quite tricky to divideyour attention; try to pick one activitywhich the child loves and devote someextra time to it in particular. This isbound to make up for other timeswhen your baby commands moreattention. Beware of breakinghearts; you may think they heal, butprevention is always better thantreatment!exaggerate and tip the scalethe other way, making the superstar lose theirflair by creating a problem the other way round.Popular by Default: One sibling’s extroversion istaking center stage. They’re out and about whilethe other’s stuck in their shadow.- Get closer to the calmer sibling and make sureyou compensate for the attention given to theother externally. Remember, you’re not beinga bad mother; you’ll always find that the starsibling is too involved in their own world to evennotice and their natural ability to put on a showwill enable a balance to be well achieved.Smitten has everything a fashionista needs…No matter how big or small!Superstar on Board: One sibling isoutperforming the other, whetherit’s academically, athletically, orotherwise.mother, baby & child december 2013- Although each person has theirown talent, we all know that someattributes tend to garner moreapplause from society. However,being really skilled at somethingcan mean good news to the othersibling. Your role would be tonurture that ability or hobby untilyou let it shine through. Targetrole models who have succeededin the field and let them set anexample. Just make sure you never88Dubai Marina Mall, Level 1 | +9714 451 9779info@smitten-boutique.com www.smitten-boutique.com

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak AlNahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Developmentand Honorary President of the Abu Dhabi Future Centre for Special Needs24 - 26 March 2014Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions CentreUnited Arab EmiratesThe first MENA exhibition for the economic,social, educational and professionalempowerment of people with disabilitiesOur CSR Ambassadors, FREEJ fun old ladiesAutismPhysicaldisabilitiesHearingdisabilitiesCommunicationdisabilityIntellectualdisabilitiesDownSyndromeVisualdisabilitiesRegister Now Onlinewww.abilitiesme.comTel: +971 4 445 3652Email: abilitiesme@dmgeventsme.com@ENABLINGmeAbilities Middle EastWith the support ofAn initiative from

in focus: child | applicationsApptastic! The BestApplications for KidsBy Dina Maatymother, baby & child december 2013EntertainerDubai Kids (JustLaunched!) -10% discountuntil the end ofDecemberCategory:LifestyleDevice: iPhone +iPad+ iPod touchRating: 12+ (useapp. to get deals for kids!)Plan ahead for fun with over 600 buy one getone free vouchers to the best play areas, waterparks, entertainment centres, sports programs,activities, and restaurants. With the DubaiKids mobile package, you conveniently searchand redeem all 600 buy one get one freeoffers from your smartphone. The EntertainerDubai Kids could save you more than AED173,500 this year! Featured merchants includeAquaventure, The Blossom Children’s Nursery,Little Explorers, Ski Dubai, British OrchardNursery, and much more.https://www.theentertainerme.com/DrawnimalCategory: EducationDevice: iPhone + iPadRating: 4+Drawnimal motivates children to draw aroundthe device and encourages them to thinkoutside of the box. The app. helps themleave the digital screen with a simple physicalinteraction. It shows children how to draw themain features of animals; funny animationsmotivate them to learn the alphabet.90*Tip: Free now from App. Gratishttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drawnimal/id586239095My First 101 WordsCategory: EducationDevice: iPhone + iPadRating: 4+A boy called Abe and a girl called Myrelle takeyour toddler through a series of videos whichteaches different words. The words have beenselected to include nouns and verbs found inresources supporting pre-school speech andlanguage development. Each word is either anobject or action.https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/my-first-101-words/id639656655?mt=8Wildlife Jigsaw PuzzlesCategory: EducationDevice: iPadRating: 4+Your child pieces together puzzle after puzzleto reveal a cool animal, whether it’s an oldfavorite or a new friend! As each puzzle iscompleted, the name of the animal is readaloud and appears on the screen. Jigsawpuzzles have long been recognized to assistwith improving motor skills important in earlychildhood development. They are also a funway for kids to practice concentration andmemory.https://itunes.apple.com/ae/app/wildlifejigsaw-puzzles-123/id588919076?mt=8Source: Apple iTunes Store

safety tips* fussy eaters* fashion*top tips for kidsCar seat selection guideGroup Age Type Weight Features0+Birth to12 monthsInfantcar seatBirth to10-13 kg0+1Birth to4 yearsConvertiblecar seatBirth to18kg19 monthsto 4 yearsToddlercar seat9-18kgBy12&39 monthsto 12 yearsHigh backbooster9-36kgBaby onBoard!2&34 yearsto 12 yearsBoostercar seat15-36kg• Children under 13 belong in the rear seat andshould be securely buckled in. Kids under the ageof 9 must ride in a child safety or booster seat.• Make sure children under 13 are sitting at therear part of the car. Don’t place the child seat inthe front unless there’s a passenger airbag.• A forward-facing child seat in the front ofthe car should be fitted as far back from thedashboard as possible.• Make sure the seatbelt passes through all thecorrect guides on the child seat and it’s regularlychecked and securely held.• Push your weight into the child car seat andpull the shoulder belt to make sure the child seatis securely held.• Check for any forward or sideways swayonce you have secured the child seat on thecar seat, and that the seatbelt buckle is notresting on the child seat frame.91mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: child | top tips for kidsTIPS & TRICKSforBy Annabel KarmelSnowman cookiesPreparation 25 minutes plus chilling timeCook: 15 minutesMakes 16 cookiesxxx mediumxxx225g butter225g plain fl our100g cornfl our100g caster sugar500g packet Royal Icing SugarAbout 20 tbsp water2 tsp glycerineDecorationLarge white MarshmallowsMini SmartiesTic TacsWriting Icing Pensmother, baby & child december 201392MethodPreheat the oven to 160C Fan. Measure thebutter, plain fl our, cornfl our and caster sugar intoa magi mix. Whiz until combined. Tip out andlightly knead to form a soft dough and chill for10 minutes, roll out and stamp out about 16 size8 cm rounds. Place on baking sheets and chill for20 minutes. Bake for about 15 minutes. They willspread a little. Leave to cool.To make the icing, measure the Royal Icing and 10tbsp. of water into a free standing electric mixeruntil the icing is thick and shiny. Add the glycerineand whisk again. Continue adding a tablespoon ofwater at a time until the icing is the consistencyof thick yoghurt.Put the biscuits onto a piece of nonstick paper. Spoonthe icing onto the biscuit and spread out so the icingdrops off the edge to look like melted snow. Place themarshmallow at the edge of the cookie on top of theicing. Stick orange tic-tacs onto the marshmallowsusing a little Writing Icing and arrange three MiniSmarties or other small sweets in a row for thebuttons. Draw on eyes and a mouth and some hands..www.annabelkarmel.com

in focus: childFASHIONTIPSBy Château de SableFashion Tipsfor COOLKids- Château de Sable uses organic fabrics,bamboo, cotton silks, tinsel, linen, and evendetails like scalloping sourced from the bestplaces in Europe. Fabrics mixed with cheaperalternatives (like cotton polyester) are bad forchildren, especially those with a history of eczemaor asthma.- Garments should receive careful attentionto detail to make them unique. Our favorite forChristmas, the smocking dress, is carefully handsewn to give a unique look.- Coordinate siblings. It’s always cute to havegirls, boys, or even siblings of the same gendercoordinated.- Simple fabrics like cotton silk are best forspecial occasions, your children will look grandand appropriate without the fuss of difficult-towashclothes as children can be very messy!- Aim for clothes that are affordable as childrengrow so fast! However, never compromise onquality. Château de Sable clothes also do wellwith laundry, and can be passed down withoutbecoming dull or stretched/shrunken after manywashes!Château de Sable comes from French designerStéphanie Lemaire’s spirit. She wanted to create acollection representing both childhood innocenceand joy, and named her brand “Château desable”, meaning sandcastle.Visit Château de Sable in Dubai Mall and AbuDhabi’s Al Wahda Mall for clothing for childrenages 0-12.- Soft colors, hues, and uncomplicateddesigns capture the child’s innocence.Château de Sable believes only such colorscapture the child’s beauty, instead ofdiverting attention away from the child.- Mini-me or adult clothes designs shrunkfor children take the playfulness away.Children should always look like children.This is the main principle behind all ofChâteau de Sable’s clothing.www.chateaudesable.com93mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: childslick kidof the monthWinner!Amir Nino Gabrielmother, baby & child december 201394“He always deserves the best of everything. He’s the beststress-reliever after a tiresome day. His innocent smile is thebrightest sunshine to see upon waking up. Having his sweetkisses all over my face and his tender arms around my necknever failed to soothe my day. His charm and his wits aresimply irresistible. Anything and everything about him are justextraordinary special. No wonder he is adored by many.”- Mummy Caroline Mabala

BabyshopAvailable at SmittenMamas & Papas95mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: childIn TheatresCloudy with a Chance ofMeatballs 2 (available in3D)Duration: 1 hour 35 minNow Showing in Dubai MallAfter creating the infamousmachine which changes waterinto food, Flint Lockwood realises thathis machine has created some veryinteresting food creatures! In order tosave the world, Flint now needs to stopthe machine and keep the food animalsfrom invading the mainland.Free Birds (available in 3D)Duration: 1 hour 31 minutesShowing in Grand Cinemas, Dubai MallFrom the producer of Shrek and the Directorof Horton Hears a Who comes an adventurestuffed with humour and heroism. Two turkeysfrom very different backgrounds get togetherin order to change the course ofhistory by going back tothe first Thanksgiving andgetting Turkeys off themenu!On Blue-Ray/DVDmother, baby & child december 2013Mary Poppins: 50th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)What better time to introduce the infamous Mary Poppins to your children than onthe celebration of the film’s 50th Anniversary? Mary Poppins is a film which can beenjoyed from generation to generation, finding its way into the hearts of childrenand adults alike, and can be enjoyed time and time again.96

in focus: childSanta Goes Everywhere!Deck the Halls, We’re Off theWritten & Illustrated by Brian BiggsWalls!Who says Santa canonly travel by sleigh!?Written by Dan GutmanIllustrated by Jim PaillotThis Christmas, Santadecides to try somethinga little different, or shallwe say, a lot of differentsomethings! Fromhelicopters to motorcycles and even adelivery truck, Santa sure knows how totravel in style!HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at KinokuniyaA.J. just loves Christmas! This year he’sreally excited because Santa Claus isgoing to visit a mall in his town, butwhen A.J. and his friends go to the mallto meet Santa, somethingvery strange happens.Join the fun in yet anotheradventure from the ‘MySchool Special’ series!HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at KinokuniyaPinkalicious - Merry Pinkmas!Written & Illustrated by Victoria KannAxel the Truck - Beach RaceWritten by J.D. RileyIllustrated by Brandon DormanThis Christmas thePinkertons are alltalking about whatthey love aboutthe holidays. Fromcookies to wrappingpaper and opening presents, everyonehas something they love. ThenPinkalicious suggests something thatcould make Christmas extra special thisyear! What do you think it could be?HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at KinokuniyaAxel is a big red truck that loves tohave fun! Join him in his adventure ashe rolls around in the mud and evenjoins a race! With a vroom vroom anda zip zip zoom, Axel sureknows how to have a greattime!HarperCollins PublishersAvailable at Kinokuniya97mother, baby & child december 2013

THE UK’S LEADING TOY SHOPThe Entertainer, the UK’s leading toy shop, wishesyou a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.Enjoy some fun activities from our team to yourhome, and we’ll wait for you on December 12th!Can you guess the holiday photos? If yes, find those words on the puzzle. Good luck!GIFTGINGERBREADRED SOCKRED CANDLECHRISTMASTREESANTA HATPONSETIASNOW FLAKESCHRISTMASBALLmother, baby & child december 201398Let’s have an eye exercise…

in focus: childCOLOOUR MECompetitionColour in the image for your chanceto win an exciting gift! Please e-maila scanned or photographed copyof the completed colouring to:competitions@motherbabychild.meOpen to all age groups from 3 to 12year olds! Only the top 10 winnerswill be chosen. Get colouring andget creative.Colour Me competition winners:1. Davaughn Williams6. Ashutosh Gautam2. Ayesha Khan7. Soha Khan3. Fawaz Mohammed8. Fiza Samir4. Armesh Mobed9. Faadhil Mohiadeen5. Hatim Piplodi10. MumukshaFor more information contact:Email: afshana@wwtrader.aeEmail: reji@wwtrader.aeFree entry for children under 16The Life & Style Show UAE – the largest lifestyle event in the Middle East!• Over 300 exhibitors • Celebrity Cooking Demos • Catwalk Shows • Gaming Stages • Football Tournament • KidZania Zone• UAE’s Best Dressed Car • Full Size Demo Home • Live Makeovers • Santa’s Grotto • Fitness Classes • DJ Stage • Live Cooking Theatre• And much more!Visit and win a Fiat 500!Courtesy of99mother, baby & child december 2013

in focus: : childKlara RaoufiDecember 28Arush MalputeDecember 15Nathandre AmberVergaraDecember 20Georges MakariDecember 17Naisha SadwaniDecember 22Lizanne Angelica DaCostaDecember 20Ibrahim Ali SiddiquiDecember 1Amran ZubairDecember 24mother, baby & child december 2013Hugh Miguel MasajoDecember 8Amir Niño GabrielDecember 21Lincoln Jared P. PedrosoDecember15Faadhil MDecember15Is your child celebrating a birthday next month? If so, he or she could be in Mother, Baby & ChildMagazine too! Simply send in his/her photo, name, age and birthday tocompetitions@motherbabychild.me before December 22nd, 2013.100

food for the soul* people of the month*editor’s picks* horoscopes*mama me timefood for the soulMalala: A Child WhoStood Up for Her Rightto an EducationBy Zaina ShihabiThose were the words spoken by Malala Yousafzai when she received astanding ovation as she accepted the EU’s Sakharov Prize for Freedomof Thought for her bravery for defending a basic human right denied toher and other girls in Pakistan: The right to an education.mother, baby & child december 2013102“I am hopeful thatthrough our unityand determination,we can achieve ourgoals and help the 57million children whoare waiting for us, andthese children, they donot want an iPhone, anX-Box, a PlayStationor chocolates, they justwant a book and a pen”- Malala Yousafzai

mama me-timeGrowing up in Mingora in the Swat District ofPakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwaprovince, Malala, through the encouragementof her father, began standing up for her right for aneducation when the Taliban banned girls from going toschool and destroyed most of the girls’ schools in thearea. At only 11-years old, Malala began blogging withthe BBC under a pseudonym about the influence of theTaliban in Swat Valley. When her father spoke at a pressconference and received death threats soon after, Malalabecame even more determined to get involved in politics,and was quoted saying “I have a new dream ... I must be apolitician to save this country.”The more Malala’s name became known as a committedactivist, the more common it became for her to receivedeath threats. The threats were published in newspapers,slipped under her door and even sent to her on Facebook.On the 9th of October, 2012 as she rode a bus home fromschool, Malala was shot in the head by a member of theTaliban. The world stood still as Malala was operated onin Pakistan, then after her condition was stable, was sentto the United Kingdom where she was treated until herrecovery.At only 16 years old, Malala has been nominated for theInternational Children’s Peace Prize, National Youth PeacePrize and the Simone de Beauvoir Prize among manyothers, and is the youngest person in the world to haveever been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.Sources:I Am Malalaby Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lambwww.euronews.comwww.bbc.co.uk

People of the MonthShafaq FaisalFounder of Shafaq’s Bake Housemother, baby & child december 2013This month, Mother, Baby & Childsits with Shafaq Fasial, founderof the UAE’s best-kept delicioussecret, Shafaq’s Bake House.Ever since she was young, Shafaq was ahuge food-lover excelling in baking bothsavoury and sweet dishes. Although shewent on to study business and has worked inthe banking in the industry for almost sevenyears, she started her baking career at the ageof 18.Can you tell us a little bit about yourBake House?“Shafaq’s Bake House is all about presentingdelicious cupcakes, cookies, cake bites, andmuch more,” explains Shafaq. “Our aim isto create cakes with a ‘WOW’ factor. Ourspecialties are our ‘Divine Red Velvet Cake’,and my personal favourite ‘Carrot and MoistDouble Dark Chocolate Cake’!”How do you juggle being a mum anda successful mumtrepreneur?“Being a mum to three boys, it can be difficultto cope with the needs of a new business; Ihave to maintain a balance,” she explains.Shafaq also reveals that a great support unitis extremely important in achieving success.104“Baking and creating cakes is like oxygen to me,”she continues. “My husband and kids are truesupporters and I love them tremendously,” saysShafaq.What inspires you?“My cooking and baking inspiration has been mydearest Mum,” says Shafaq. “The passion andvision I have are because of her. She has beenthere through thick and thin, and because of herincredible guidance I was able to achieve somethingin my life; I am honestly blessed to have her as mytrue inspiration.”What advice do you have for mumswho are thinking of starting their ownbusiness?“I would advise newcomers that if they believe inthemselves,” says Shafaq, “they can surely achievewhat they want. One should be determined,dedicated, organised and true to herself.”“Today, when I see myself as a baker, I thankmy family and friends who have been by myside through as a source of encouragement andinspiration,” says Shafaq.You can satisfy your sweet and/or savoury cravingsat Shafaq’s Bake House by contacting them at +97150 376 9703 (shafaqbakehouse.com).

mama me-timeYOUCompiled by: Dina MaatyGifts that Keep on GivingDecember is a month when we honorhuman rights and volunteering; wondrous,engaging values which bring us closer topure souls and more meaningful, gracefulforms of existence. This month, theCharity’s Angel is going to be you. We’relooking at ways to give back to society,either through volunteering or otherwise,which fulfi ll a noble deed withoutinvolving money.Support Dubai Cares: This organizationholds numerous events every year in whichyou can take part, including aiding nonprofitschools and the Dubai KindergartenDevelopment Centre, ensuring the integrationof WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) inall its programs. They implement primaryeducation in more than 31 countries. Otherprograms include ‘Dubai Volunteer’, ‘Art forEducation’, and ‘End Poverty. Act Now’.www.dubaicares.aePhone: +971 4 450 4550Help the Dubai Volunteering Centre:This centre gives everyone an opportunityto volunteer through different channels.For example, The Dubai Early ChildhoodDevelopment Centre is a unique earlyintervention program supervised by aspecialized team, which provides familyfocused,trans-disciplinary assessment andearly intervention services to children (frombirth to 6 years) with disabilities and thoseprone to congenital abnormalities.Other volunteering channels include El Kaytprogram for people with disabilities aged 18+and Home Care (Weleef), which enables you toreceive training to later offer social services forsenior citizens.www.cda.gov.ae/en/volunteeringPhone: 800 2121Do Your Part Through Volunteer in UAE:Purely about volunteering, this organizationprovides volunteers for numerous activities/events: Beat Diabetes Walkathon (See Savethe Date), Blood Donor, Books for the Blind,and much more. You even get to see fellowvolunteers pre-event and carpool if you’d like!www.volunteerinuae.com/International Volunteers:global@volunteerinuae.comGive Away Old Items on Take My Junk:Send an e-mail, receive a confirmation, andpoof! Take My Junk is a private business runby a Canadian family who saw a need in thecommunity to reduce waste and help lowerincome groups. The organization sells orredistributes items to labourers, maids, or lowincome families in Ajman and Sharjah.www.takemyjunkuae.com/Phone: 800-JUNK105mother, baby & child december 2013

mama me-timeacross the Arab world.mother, baby & child december 2013GoddessHabiba Al Mar’ashi-Chairperson of EmiratesEnvironmental Group (EEG)By: Stephanie McGuinessSmall Efforts,Big DifferenceAs urban living continues to become aninevitable consequence of modern living,environmental concerns and actionsbecome even more prevalent, particularly forthe future of our families. Emirati model citizenHabiba Al Mar’ashi dedicates herself to a trilogyof sustainable causes with three organisationsapplying environmental and sustainabilitypractices while reaching out to different membersof the community.The first, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG),is a membership-based network devoted toprotecting the environment through education,awareness, action programs, and communityinvolvement.“I grew up in an environment wheresustainability and environment were part ofgrowing up and the value system,” Habibasays, emphasizing that she developed a deepappreciation of nature from an early age.Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN), theentrepreneur’s second organization, engagessmall and large businesses as well as governmentinstitutions, aiming to strengthen theircommitment towards sustainable development106“I was fortunate thatwith time my professionand passion converged(whereby) environmentalissues took centre stage in my life. Now it ismy mission to take the message to a largerpart of society,” she added.EEG has also launched the Global CompactNetwork for the GCC States in 2007,participating in the United Nations GlobalCompact (UNGC), forming the UNGC GCC,which looks at driving mutual benefits foreconomies, society, and the environmentpromoting collective action.Habiba also refers to mothers being thechange-makers of the region, pointingout the impact they can have on futuregenerations by educating children at a youngage about environmental issues.“It’s very important to educate childrenabout sustainability and the environment.Children are the best agents of change and itis through their innovative ideas and actionsthat we will be able to see the wave ofsustainable development,” she explained.Highlights of Habiba’s work include meetingthe late Professor Wangari Mathai (founderof the Green Belt Movement and 2004Nobel Peace Prize Laureate), in addition toeducational programs spanning the UAE forthe last two decades.For more information on how you oryour children cancontribute, pleasevisit:www.eeg-uae.org/www.arabiacsrnetwork.com/home/about-acsrn

Editor’s Picks: In Focus -Diningmama me-timePlaj, Jumeirah ZabeelSarayUpon entering the lovely Zabeel Saray, wewere welcomed with a warm smile and alovely aroma that filled the hotel. Clean,elegant and beautiful, this hotel neverfails to amaze any soul. The restaurantwas located near the beach, where musiccould be heard from a small yet remarkablytalented band playing the guitar and thepiano, singing songs upon your requestwhether modern or old school. The staffwelcomed us and instantly introduced us tovarious waiters, the chef and the excuisitedisplay of sea food and salads amongstother delicacies. This seafood buffet is onenot to be missed. Food is cooked freshand on the spot. Lobsters in a tank arealso cooked for you should you desire any.Wine was served, candles lit and a lovelydinner began. A great place to end yourstressful, tiring week at work and fantasticstart to the weekend with a tasty light meal,accompanied by wine, your companion andgood music. Feel free to enjoy this dinnerwith a child or simply with your partner/better half. The hard life!For more information, please contactZabeel Saray (04 453 0000) in Jumeirahor show up any week 6pm-10pm,Thursdays!Quality:Service:Ambience:Value for Money:Mother, Baby & Child says...Verdict: : The seafood buffet wasdelicious--would have been great ifthey added more spices/flavour, yet thefreshness made up for it along with theformidable ambience.Cost: 280 DHS107mother, baby & child december 2013

mama me-timeEditor’s Picks: In Focus -SpasEuromedBack BeautifyingTreatmentsmother, baby & child december 2013108• Venus New You “Magic hands” back massage+ peel: Designed to improve texture and toneof skin, this all-round treatment offers deepexfoliation and detoxification of the skin. Afterlymphatic drainage, oxygen is delivered intothe skin’s deep tissue, followed by a mandelicacid peel which kills bacteria and rejuvenatesthe skin.• Pristine Viora Diamond peel: Using realdiamond crystals, skin is thoroughly exfoliatedto leave it baby smooth and soft to the touch.Price: AED4000 for a complimentaryconsultation and any six treatmentsfrom the Back Beautifying menu.SofitelSo Spa Festive PromotionExperience a “Polynesian style” festive treatwith the Polynesian “Taurumi” Massage (50minutes) and receive a complimentary ExoticMonoi and Black Sand Body Scrub.Inclusions:• Complimentary access to the exclusive SoSpa indoor hydrotherapy pools, steam roomand outdoor infinity pool.• Complimentary access to the So Spa FitnessCenter with state of the art equipmentfeaturing an LPG Huber Motion Lab andTechnogym Kinesis machine.Price: AED 510To book, call: Tel: +971 44 55 5431

Editor’s Pick: In Focus -Salonsmama me-timeScentsations SalonScentsations salon is one of those placeswhere ‘everybody knows your name’. Myexperiences with salons have begun sinceearly childhood, and not once have I feltnostalgic, but with this salon I’m positive Iwill. I went for a simple colour and blowout,with my own choice of colour (picking outhair dye makes trips to the supermarketmore fun). Greeting me upon arrival withtheir usual smile, staff didn’t take timeto accommodate me. The hair stylistprepared the dye in no time, applying it inprofessional and swift strokes. They offeredme some green tea and I relaxed with ahead-full-of-red listening to the latest radiotunes in an atmosphere of white bliss aslittle fish watched me from their aquarium.After hearing the timer’s ‘ching’, sheproceeded to wash my hair incorporatinga relaxing head message. The colour hadbeen very evenly applied, and the blow drytook no longer than 15 minutes. My hairlooked straight with a bit of volume and theroots were as good as the lengths.I just wish my booking hadn’t beenrescheduled to be an hour later!To book, call 04 364 9276Service:Ambience:Value for Money:Mother, Baby & Child says...Top Tip: Book the rightperson for the job. Ask for Iffat if it’shairTreatment/Service:For medium length hair: Colour (my own) – fullhead 100 dhs, your own 350 dhs, Blow Dry –100 dhs (200 dhs – 4-time package)109mother, baby & child december 2013

mama me-timeEditor’s Pick: In Focus -DONOTDISTURB!Tilal Liwa HotelNew Year Room PackageRoom rate at Dhs.1799 for a stay at a Deluxedouble room including New Year’s Eve GalaDinner and buffet Breakfast for two. Opt forNew Year’s Brunch for additional Dhs.150 fortwo.Fill your heart with festive joy this season. Allrates are subject to 10% service charge and6% tourism fee. Children 12 years get 50%discount.For bookings call +971 2 894 6111 ore-mail fnb.tilal@danathotels.commother, baby & child december 2013Atlantis The Palm DubaiNew Year Room PackageGala Dinner Room Package and TableReservationImagine a beach setting, with the The Palm asa back drop. Pre-dinner aperitif. Breathtakingevent with an evening of celebration. Dinnerwill be served at elegant tables by thewater with live cooking stations, barbeques,and buffets with a wide array of hot andcold luxurious international delicacies. Liveentertainment and a fireworks display.Gold New Year’s Eve Room Package andTable ReservationWith the Gold package, guests can choosefrom one of our two award winning restaurantsNobu or Ossiano.For bookings call +971 4 426 2626110Kempinski Hotel Mall of theEmiratesWinter BreaksStay a minimum of 3 nights and get 10% discountwith our Winter Break offer.Snowy DesertSnowy delights in the heart of the desert for anunforgettably different holidayWhat the package includes:Book any room, and enjoy one complimentaryentry per person, per stay, to the Snow Park atSki Dubai, along with buffet breakfast. Marvel atice sculptures, create snow angels, try out thesled and toboggan runs or zoom down in a giantsnowball.Price from: 1330.00 AED

Happy Birthday SagittariushoroscopesSagittarius | November 24 -December 22Sometimes you need to say no to othersdearest Sagittarius, and stick to your ownplans. If you always change your schedule for yourfamily and friends you may start to resent themcausing unnecessary tension between you and yourloved ones.Gemini | May 21 - June 21Try to keep your head and heartbalanced this month dearestGemini. An old argument mayresurface between you and your partner; try notto take it personally, sometimes the memoryof an old wound is just as painful as the wounditself.Capricorn | December 22 -January 20You may be experiencing a big changethis month dearest Capricorn, but youmay also find yourself hesitant in takingthat first step; don’t let an issue from your pasthold you back. Try to accept that the past haspassed and that the only way is forward.Aquarius | January 20 -February 18Start your days earlier dearestAquarius, for as soon as the daybegins to unfold external factorsmay keep you from completing all your tasks asquickly as you had planned. Some interestingchanges may be taking place at work so keepyour eyes open.Pisces | February 19 - March 20This is a wonderful time to engage increative activities with your childrendearest Pisces. Join a class, or puttogether some DIY projects at home that thewhole family can get involved in. This is a greatway to bring the family together as we approachthe holidays!Aries | March 21 - April 19If you pace yourself and maintainyour balance dearest Aries, you willaccomplish even more than what youexpected this month. Your spouse mayfind it difficult to keep up with you; sometimes itis worth slowing down to let others in.Taurus | April 20 - May 20Try not to fall into the role of martyrthis month dearest Taurus, as tensionsrise between you and your spouse; tryto face your feelings rather than usingthem as a reason to push him away. Peace andlove need to spread from within.Cancer | June 22 - July 22A great way to start the monthdearest Cancer, is to put togetheran ‘I’m Thankful For’ list. This willremind you of all the positive and wonderfulthings that surround you, and everyone willbenefit from your optimistic outlook thismonth.Leo | July 23 - August 22You’re quite the social butterflythis month dearest Leo as you findyourself fluttering from one socialgathering to the next sharing your ideas on avariety of subjects. Make sure you make sometime for your loved ones as they may start to feelneglected.Virgo | August 23 - September 22Stay in control of your thoughts thismonth dearest Virgo, and make sureyou stay positive. It may be temptingto give up and just let things take their course, butfulfilling your goals and ambitions is much morerewarding.Libra | September 23 - October 23This is a great month for new activitieswith your little ones dearest Libra, asyou will find that their interests havegrown tremendously in such a shortperiod of time. Try joining a play-group where youcan also meet other parents.Scorpio | October 24 - November 23You may find yourself overflowing withgreat ideas this month dearest Scorpio;don’t forget to write them all downas you may have trouble remembering themotherwise. Don’t worry if they don’t materialiseright away; stay motivated and you will find a wayto make them a reality.111mother, baby & child december 2013

directory listingNURSERIESwww.theblossomnursery.comBlossom: 04 348 6275Blossom Village: 04 394 8847Blossom Academic City: 04 421 4458Winner, Nursery Provider of the Year!Winner, Mother Baby & ChildBest Early Child Education Awardus @blossomnurseryus @theblossomnurserymother, baby & child december 2013PARTIES112Party PlanningPool PartiesGarden PartiesCorporate EventsBalloons NDecorationsEntertainersPop Corn N CandyFlossPhoto StationDubai: Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah Beach Road,Opposite Jumeirah Beach Park, Next toEmirates Hospital Tel. 04-3445915 • DubaiMarina, Near JBR Walk, Opposite HabtoorGrand Hotel, Habtoor Business Tower, 27thFloor Tel. 04-4471777 AD: Karama, Street13, Delma and Karama intersection, OppositePublic Works dept. Tel. 02-4466648 • KhalifaCity A, Corner street 16 and 33, Near Khalifa APost Office Tel. 02-5572220 SHJ: CornicheRoad between Sharjah Women’s Club and CoralBeach Hotel Tel. 06-5245444 Al Ain: Al Jimi,in front of Al Jimi Supermarket Tel. 03-7620022MOH 346/2/3/28/2/14MEDICAL CENTERS

directory listingSHOPSDubai Marina Mall, Level 1T +9714 451 9779 E info@smitten-boutique.comwww.smitten-boutique.comThe Dubai Mall – Level 2Tel. 04 3398889Mirdif City Centre – Level 1Tel. 04 2843336HamleysUAE @hamleysUAE@hamleysUAEELC Directory Listing for MBC_DECEMBER 2013.pdf 1 11/10/2013 8:Cshopping is easy at elcMYCMMYCYCMYKABU DHABIAbu Dhabi Mall 02-645 4766Bawabat Al Sharq 02-586 4537Deerfields Town Square 02-564 5210Fatooh Al Khair 02-621 5863Marina Mall 02-681 8868Mushref Mall 02-491 4145Al Khalidiya Mall 02-635 4888Al Raha Mall Kiosk 050-8843887Al Wahda Mall 02-443 7103World Trade Centre Oct 2013AL AINAl Jimi 03-763 8891Al Ain Mall 03-751 6012Al Bawadi 03-784 0433AJMANAjman City Centre 06-748 0152FUJAIRAHCentury Mall 09-223 8642Fujairah City Centre 09-223 6525RAS AL KHAIMAManar Mall 07-227 0718Safeer Mall 07-235 9172DUBAIAl Barsha Mall 04-325 5499Al Ghurair City 04-228 1873Arabian Centre 04-284 5976Arabian Ranches 050-6442820City Walk Oct 2013Deira City Centre 04-295 1548Dubai Festival City 04-232 8371Dubai Mall 04-339 8199IBN Batuta 04-429 7903Green Community 050-6503257Mall of Emirates 04-341 4177Marina Mall 04-434 2642Meadows Town Centre 04-367 4846Mercato 04-344 8463Mirdiff City Centre 04-284 3592Motor City 04-457 2171Silicon Oasis 04-392 6398Souq Madinath Jumeira 04-368 6519Spinneys 04-394 1204Uptown Mirdiff 04-288 6792Wafi City 04-324 2730SHARJAHSahara Centre 06-531 8562Mega Mall 06-574 5593Matajer Mall 06-545 9658Early Learning Centre MEelctoysme113mother, baby & child december 2013

directory listingSHOPSDubai Mall:04-3253469Dubai Festival City:04-2329154Bawabat MBC Directory Al Sharq(AbuDhabi):02-5868120- Premaman FIN.pdfAl Wahda Mall LEVEL 3 New EXT: 02-44532641 3/25/13 5:01 PMDirectory - March 013 -charanga .indd 13/24/13 4:00 PMDirectory - March 013 - GOCOO FIN.indd 13/25/13 4:56 PMmother, baby & child december 2013114

A team approach gives patients the power of choice,Our Dermatology & Laser TeamDr. HANIEH ERDMANNSpecialist DermatologistGerman BoardDubaiDr. PEGAH DEHDARISpecialist DermatologistGerman BoardDubaiDr. HOSSEIN YAVARISpecialist DermatologistDubai, Abu Dhabi, Al AinDr. FATIMA HABIBSpecialist DermatologistUKDubaiMOH 2738/2/10/26/12/13 website 1949/2/8/31/7/14Dr. RANIA ASSILSpecialist DermatologistAbu Dhabi, Al AinDr. ANNA MALLORYAesthetic Medicine,Cosmetic Dermatology(UK)DubaiDr. KASSIA SARKISIANConsultantDermatologistAUBAbu DhabiDR. BATOUL REFFAISpecialist DermatologistAl AinDr. NAMIR SHEHADESpecialist DermatologistRAK, SharjahDr. EMAD AETASpecialist DermatologistArabic BoardSharjah, RAK, Al AinAlso in Dubai Marina & Khalifa City AWatch our videos atwww.CosmeSurge.comDubai - Jumeirah Dubai - Marina Abu Dhabi - Karama Abu Dhabi - Khalifa City A04-344 5915 04-447 1777 02-446 6648 02-557 2220Sharjah Al Ain RAK Fujairah06-524 5444 03-762 0022 07-235 6001 09-223 0003