Sign up for the Children’s Entrepreneur Workshop this weekend @Arcadia School

7b-ideas_final-01-2Sign up today for the Children’s Entrepreneurship Workshop at The Arcadia Preparatory School happening this Saturday 7 January 2017 from 10am -12pm. The workshop is ideal for children ages 3 – 11 and is led by UK based entrepreneur David Harkin, CEO of 7billionideas.

The idea behind 7billionideas is to connect the 7 billion people on this planet with their own ideas, whether they are students, employees or entrepreneurs.

Watch their story here on YouTube.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis, don’t miss out!

We are all stars

This is what we learned visiting the recently opened archeological museum and outdoor extravaganza at Mleiha.

We never really think about life in this way, but humans are made from the same chemical matter as stars. Actually, about 93% of the mass in our body would originate from stardust.† At Mlehia, you can spend an evening star gazing and explore the award winning museum showcasing evidence of early human activity from pre-historic times in the region.

A truly well done experience, we spent an enjoyable hour going through the various museum exhibits showcasing neolithic remains and artifacts. My kids were recently studying this time period at school which added greatly to our interest. The most fascinating for me was a short video explaining the ingenuity of early man as they dug underground trenchs to tap water sources that would flow into the falaj system to irrigate date palms.

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It was also great fun to visit the outdoor caves where neolithic men fabricated flint tools and at  other times cremated human remains. Excavations have been ongoing over the last few decades to unearth a real treasure trove of history. Why do people believe there is no culture here when our earliest ancestors roamed these parts after leaving Africa?

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In addition to poking your head in and out of small caves, there are the ruins of a palace, and old farmhouse and tombs from the Bronze Age to explore. They have many options for adventure with overnight camping,  cycling in the dunes, horse or camel rides and sunset barbecues.  Mleiha makes for an amazing day out and I would recommend getting there by lunchtime to see the whole place. Plus they have a nice restaurant to boot!

Hats off to Ajmal, Education Manager and Nirmal, Education Coordinator for their fantastic work greeting visitors and making the time spent a Mleiha a real pleasure. I would have to vote Mleiha as one of the best excursions we’ve had in the UAE this year.

In 2017, I highly recommend that you @discovermleiha. Check out their website to plan your visit. On your way back, heading toward Madam, make a quick stop at Jebel Al Buhais, another archeological site. It’s well worth the short hike up to the top of the fort ruins !

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† Physics Central – How much of the human body is made up of stardust?
http://www.physicscentral.com/explore/poster-stardust.cfm

An eye opening experience

I recently had the pleasure to meet another neighbor, Nafia Zafar. She is a qualified make-up artist who I listed on this website some time back. I needed a little lift for a holiday party and decided to call upon her talents. I don’t know why I didn’t pay her a visit before. I love to dress up and I’m always excited to attend a social event or Gala evening. The latest I went to was the Surge event, Design, Dine and make a Difference and I wish I had made the trip to Nafia’s place for that, especially as I had to deliver short remarks about the primary school program on water conservation that I manage. That will be for another post, back to Nafia now.

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Nafia is an International Makeup Association Certified Makeup and hair stylist from London College of Makeup. Founder of a Makeup Training Institute back home, she has also worked in films and with numerous celebrities. Now that sounds pretty glamorous to me! Her expertise lies in bridal makeup, party makeup and hair, media makeup and special effects. So I’m definitely thinking to book her also for next Halloween. She travels around internationally for work but when in town her days are usually occupied with ARGANA salon in Umm Suquim 3, opposite Kings school where she holds a makeup studio. Luckily for the residents of JVT she can happily pop up at your place or welcome you at hers to glam you up. Do check her out on Instagram (nafias.studio) to get more ideas or contact her on 0521693100.

That’s me after a visit to Nafia’s place 🙂

Catch her when she is in town!

 

 

Need sparkling clean windows? Meet Suzanne from JVT and her dream Gleam Team!

I’m especially happy to write about this particular JVT neighbor just before the year end. As many homes are getting decorated and all spruced up for some sparkling New Year celebrations at home, it would be a shame to forget to give those high up windows and balconies a glisten.

We surely have a lot of multi-talented and enterprising residents in JVT and I recently met yet another – Suzanne Kalloghlian. She is not only a children’s author, a teaching assistant and a personal tutor, but a budding entrepreneur to boot!  She has found a perfect niche in the market when she started her own business a few years back called The Gleam Team. Her team of seven will make your windows sparkle, trust me, I’ve tried. They specialize in window cleaning both inside and out. While they are outside, you can also have them power wash your patios, balconies and garage doors. Specialized in windows, they can change the netting on your sliding door fly-screens as well. Window cleaning is such a drag that I think it’s marvelous to have a great little crew you can call in for a super reasonable price to do one of those perennial dreadful chores.

Suzanne’s straightforward and simple idea took some work to set up. But, after getting the paperwork sorted, the business has taken off thanks to happy client recommendations. I can understand why as Suzanne explained to me her guiding mantra – ‘the customer is always right’ she asserts. “If a customer is not happy, which thank goodness is very rare, it bothers me immensely and I always attempt to rectify the problem if I can,” she told me.  Clearly, this strategy is working well for The Gleam Team.

Suzanne and her Gleam Team !

Suzanne and her Gleam Team !

I also think her success boils down to the personal touch. We called in The Gleam Team to fix our ripped and broken fly screens. Unfortunately, the company which had installed them did a terrible job and it was impossible to snap out the frames, as would be customary. I never noticed this issue until we needed the repairs. At first, the team informed me that they would be unable to accept the job for fear of damaging the aluminum frames. But the very next day, Suzanne’s husband came around to check on the difficulties his team had encountered and identified the right solution to remove and repair the screens.

The Gleam Team is truly a family affair. Husband George does the bookings (as Suzanne holds down a full time school job). His professional work is done remotely from home, so it’s easier for him to handle the administrative side of things Suzanne tells me with a twinkle in her eye! Their two sons, Raffi and Zak sort out all the necessary day-to-day running of GLEAM making a big contribution to the business. Suzanne is also quite adamant about taking good care of her staff. She especially raved about Raby & Jason, her main window cleaners, and one of whom you would surely find on every job. “We work as a real team,” Suzanne explained.

Another thing that Suzanne really takes to heart is caring for the planet. They use environmentally friendly products with no chemicals that are safe to both children and animals. Their procedures also account for our desert climate to ensure the minimal water usage. They take special care to avoid water leakage in through the window frames which can happen very easily in some of the construction here and cause lots of damage. The team also wears shoe covers and gloves inside your home to protect carpets and furnishings.

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Ho, Ho, Ho!   No, it’s not Santa, it’s The Gleam Team!

When I asked Suzanne why she started this business, it came down to simple supply and demand. She had tried to find a company some years ago to come and clean the windows at her home and found the costs extortionate and the service poor.  She felt she could offer a quality and friendly service. “I wanted some polite, hygienic, well trained guys that would come and do the job efficiently and quickly, with a smile,” Suzanne remarked. “Since I couldn’t find that kind of service I decided to start my own.”

Suzanne is a curious woman at heart and has been involved in a number of small business ventures throughout her life from owning a bouncy castle company to setting up a costume jewelry distribution business. She is one to always stay busy and has explored many professions along the way. She’s trained in a number of different specialties from medical secretary to interior designer. Suzanne followed her husband to this region 16 years ago. They never had the intention to make this their home, but like many, they’ve established roots here. Her son now lives in JVT with his young family and this is what brought Suzanne and her husband to our neighborhood in the summer of 2016. “It’s a friendly place to live,” she commented. “Now that the weather is cooler, I will be donning my trainers and setting out for a few walks with the dogs and my new grandson to explore the area more fully.” You’ll surely happen upon Suzanne if you also like to walk about. If you do, I encourage you to start a conversation and you’ll certainly be enthralled with her vivacious attitude towards life!

In case a few neighbors want to call in the Gleam Team to spruce up their homes for the New Year, ask about their special offer for group bookings of 4 or 5 homes on the same day! Regardless, Suzanne always gives her neighbors a special deal and quotes JVT residents at 10% less then the going rate. I can highly recommend the service; very professional, very courteous and very clean.

Website
Phone number:
050 387 4557

Neighborhood carolers

In case you missed the singing tonight in JVT, here is a picture of the neighborhood carolers who did a lovely rendition of Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and many other seasonal favorites.

Thanks for knocking on our door to spread your cheer!

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The best holiday activities in Dubai this year

Holiday Ideas

Many busMulti Sports New Camp Christmas 2016y parents are wondering how to keep their kids occupied during the upcoming school holidays. Thankfully, there are several kids camps right here in JVT to choose from.

I’ve got some specifics on the website activities page (click here for more info). In particular, Elite Sports has a fun-filled camp planned at Sunmarke school if you are looking to run the energy out of your youngsters!

If you’re not enrolling your kids in a full day camp, below is my list of fun activities to keep everyone going during the days off school. Feel free to share your own ideas!

Little Tots

Children’s City

Miracle Garden

Legoland

Zabeel Park Glow Garden

Al Jalila Children’s Center

Gingerbread decorating at Maison Mathis from 20th – 31st December

Teens

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Bollywood Park

Dubai Outlet Village (the new one!)

Global Village

Ski Dubai

Climbing at Adventure HQ Time Square

Laser Tag at Motor City or Oasis Center

Mini Golf at WAFI

Ice Skating at Dubai Mall or Al Nasr Leisure Land

Nature and History Trips for the whole Family:

Al Dhafra Festival is happening from 13 – 29th December in Abu Dhabi’s Madinat Zayed

Oasis of Dignity memorial is open to the public 24/7. It’s located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sharjah Arabian Wildlife Center, Natural History & Botanical Museum

Emirates Soil Museum

Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Center in Sharjah located near Kalba

Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum in Dubai

The Women’s Museum in Deira near the Old Gold Souk

Qasr Al Muwaiji, the birthplace of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, restored and opened as a museum last year.

Unique places to tour:

Take a look at the Street Art all along 2nd December street which is part of the 1st phase of its renovations.

Go have a look at the ‘Office of the Future’, the world’s first 3d printed building at Emirates Towers

Visit the Sharjah Center for Space Sciences and Astronomy that opened last year

Take a trip to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah

Check out the Eco House at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (this one I’m not sure if it’s possible to visit.)

Stroll along the Boardwalk or take a boat ride along the new Canal which opened last month

Or visit the many beaches around town!

Need another idea? Mark the Year of Reading by devouring a few books and visit one of the many libraries around town instead of buying new.

Have you forgotten a present for the little ones during all this holiday planning? If so, check out Klug Toys online shopping. They are located in The Village Mall on Beach Road, but you can do your shopping for their quality wooden toys right from home. Spoiler alert – a friend of mine opened this shop a year ago – this is not an advertising ploy !

20161212_134113Are you exhausted after all this running around during the holidays? If so, then book yourself a hot stone massage at the Ghaya Grand. I just treated myself this morning and it was the perfect pick-me up on a chilly winter day. As kids will surely run you ragged during their days off, don’t forget to schedule in some pampering as well!

Need a Break? Get to The Spa at the Ghaya Grand

Relaxation is something we never get enough of these days. If you need a break too, head over to the Ghaya Grand to indulge in an hour long massage at the Spa & Wellness Center.

Recently, I was asked to review their services and give my loyal readers a rundown on how it went. On arrival at the hotel, I found myself amid a throng of tourists in the lobby on a rather busy morning. The hotel is surely popular.  I proceeded up the grand, main entrance staircase to the first floor and turned left for the pool and fitness area. Crossing the outdoor pool deck, I entered the spa area to be greeted by a friendly hostess. I was invited to enhance my treatment by starting with a steam and sauna. The hammam was an immaculate white space with steam pouring into the room from both sides. I was glad to see the steam vent was not located under the seat as you find in many poorly designed spas. Then I tried out the dry sauna much to my delight. After 5 minutes in each, I donned the plush robe and padded off behind Leo, my lady masseuse. Unfortunately, the inviting Jacuzzi was not operating as they feel the noise disturbs the clients. You’ll have to go between 7 – 10 in the morning or the evening to avail of a warm, bubbling tub.

I must admit that I’m quite the massage aficionado. My all-time favorite was the energetic and body twisting massage I had at Wat Po temple in Thailand. My most memorable massage story was a visit to an authentic Turkish bath in Istanbul some years ago. This time, I’m at the Ghaya Grand, where Leo did not miss a muscle. She worked her way from my tired toes to my tight neck and even ironed out my face muscles and smoothed away some wrinkles leaving me feeling (if not looking) a few years younger! It was an invigorating and relaxing experience in which I nearly snoozed off by the end. I left feeling like a chocolate bar as she tried out their special cocoa cream on me. The cocoa is an antioxidant and provides nourishment and moisture to the skin. As I had no desire to wash away the yummy scent, I was happy that I opted to start my massage session with a cleansing shower after those heat treatments. Even later that evening, my husband picked up on the chocolaty fragrance from earlier in the day.

After the massage, I was tempted to stay on for lunch but I had an early afternoon appointment to get to. Instead, I sipped a steaming ginger tea in the relaxation room to further augment my zen attitude. It’s a shame this space is outside the spa area in between the reception and the gym. I suppose it’s fine if you’ll spend some time also lounging by the pool, but I would have liked to unwind and rest after my session on a recliner listening to the enchanting spa music and even the whirl of the Jacuzzi. The only negatives I’d point out are the high school style, metal lockers which are positioned on the platform next to the Jacuzzi and the rather antiquated sliding door system for the changing rooms. By and large, the mood is calming, serene and relaxing but the changing area and relaxation space seem to have been after- thoughts which surely detracts from the overall positive experience.

Nevertheless, I’d return in a heartbeat as the staff is polite, welcoming and skilled, the hotel pool offers the chance to relax for longer and the location cannot be beat for those of us living in JVT!

Currently you can avail of the Spa’s Festive Season Glow Package:

Experience the regeneration of your skin cells via a full body exfoliation that leaves the skin feeling cleansed and hydrated whilst detoxifying the body. Concluding with an application of body hydration to leave your skin glowing during the Festive Season.

Book Now: 04 429 3300 and quote the JVT Blog!  Price AED249  (valid until Jan 2017)

Even better, there’s a 50% discount on any spa treatment when purchasing gift vouchers over the festive period – valid till Jan 2017. Don’t miss out !

Caution at MBZ Road Entrance, come to the Arcadia experience on Saturday and other new items on the JVT website

Dear JVTers,

Caution: Road Works on Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) Road entrance to JVT

UPDATE (Sat 19 Nov) – the new entrance from MBZ Road into JVT is fully opened!

UPDATE (Friday 1:20pm) – RTA was very reactive and contacted me to inform that the road access for Garn Al Sabkha (and if I understood well our JVT entrance) will be re-opened by tonight 6pm.

I’d like to inform fellow residents that the JVT entrance from MBZ road has temporarily shifted. Take care to follow the entrance into the petrol station or you’ll no longer be able to get into JVT at the main entrance. We discovered this coming back home this morning at 8:30am. I have tried to contact RTA for an update on when these road works will be finished. The request has been put in and once I get more news I’ll be sure to share this. Surely these new lanes will be completed in the next days allowing easy entrance in and out of our community. However, for the time being, beware of these changes which are not well signposted.

 

Don’t miss the Arcadia Experience Tomorrow (Saturday 19 Nov)

Come on out to see what the new primary school has been up to. Find out about the after school activities open to all neighborhood children and the many exciting plans in store which they want to share with the community. Did you know that the facilities can be booked for community groups? Now is the time to stop in and have a look !

If you haven’t already signed up, follow this link to let the team at Arcadia Prepatory school know that you’re coming tomorrow between 9am – 12noon!

Recently added information on the JVT site: 

Not sure where to find the nearest doctor? Check our listing of the closest clinics and hospitals. A great page to bookmark !

The latest business to set up shop in JVT is Gladys Beauty Saloon. Want to know more? Read our feature article about Gladys.

If you need the phone number for a local shop, remember that it’s all on line here on the JVT community website. Another useful resource to bookmark for future reference!

The latest new activities to be listed on the JVT website are nearby swim classes with Hamilton Aqautics. Check out all the activities here.

Did you know there is a calendar on the JVT website? It’s a great way to check out available classes in the neighborhood by date.

If you have suggestions for new content that is relevant to JVT residents, do let me know!