The Beauty and Horror, that is Pregnancy.

Sitting here in the hospital lab waiting for 3 hours for a series of blood tests and urine samples with only a bottle of water to be taken (after making you gulp a disgusting bottle of sugar drink!); after fasting for at least 10 hours all because I’m pregnant (glucose test) and aching everywhere! I need to eat NOW, dammit!

After 1.5yrs, I’m back again to the cycle. Welcoming back 3months of nausea and puking, a bit of spike of energy in a couple of months after, and then back to hell without remorse.

Sure, before I even got pregnant with my first child, I deemed of pregnancy as something beautiful to experience, the very essence of a woman they say. I always see grace from these pregnant women, despite how they look and walk showing signs of difficulties. It boasts their sheer strength. It is so admirable. Not to mention, that beautiful small being you are making inside, a miracle for sure. Then, I have experienced it myself.

It is a beautiful experience indeed but a horror at the same time. And I am not yet talking about labor and delivery!

I am a working mom and chose not to have a nanny, I drop-off and pick-up our son to/from the nursery and takes care of him at home with the time left for the day. Mothers don’t rest, and I am amazed of the energy that I have everyday even while I am pregnant with our second. But some days, pregnancy just takes toll of my EQ and energy, or sometimes -all of me -and I’m unapologetic…

• Hormonal: I can go crazy in a snap and break your bone if provoked; at the same time cry like a baby for seeing a sick hippopotamus on TV. The same culprit for putting more pimples on your face and everywhere else, and those creepy hairs on your growing bump!
• Nausea & vomiting: no, I don’t care if I vomit in front of you, so get out of the way. And please move away, your perfume smells horrendous!
• Heartburn & bloating: Painful gassy stomach due to bloating (because your stomach muscles are relaxed due to hormonal changes). You eat because you are easily hungry (even at midnight) then your stomach backfires with pain. Then later it puts you to shame, making you fart more than usual for relief! (so much about beauty in pregnancy!)
• Cravings & weight-gain: I will eat anything I want and no one can stop me, or I will eat you too! One pint of dark chocolate ice cream and dark chocolate cake slice on the side please?! Then at the end of the day, you’ll cry for looking like a whale but you just can’t help it!
• Body aches and pains: This one’s a winner. It takes all your good vibes in pregnancy and drowns you with all sorts of sore, especially back and pelvic pains. Nope, you can’t sit too long in the office without feeling pain; nah you wish you can stand still for 5 more minutes; and walking makes your pee slip out like a criminal! And on weekends, I could not even outrun and chase a toddler around. Sitting down and standing up makes you look like a granny.

Imagine all that to be endured in 9 freaking months (except nausea, if you’re lucky) on your own. It’s an emotional battle more than a physical one in my opinion. But you know what, you’ll find new admiration for yourself for going through it even if you’re screaming inside. I feel the miracle of having my unborn child and that eternal bond between us (even if he often does karate inside while I’m having a good sleep). You feel so much love, that is the very thing that keeps you going.

It’s true what Science says, women have selective memory -if not, no woman might choose to have another child (and a dozen more!) after experiencing one pregnancy/delivery. Because after all the aches and pains, and much more horror during delivery, you forget everything!… I bet you, nothing beats the moment you finally see your baby and holding the beautiful miracle in your arms. Love will overflow, forever.

How To: Maldives on a Cheap

How To: Maldives on a Cheap. The beautiful archipelago, made up of almost 1,200 coral islands, offers so much beauty -it is addicting. That is why, after our first trip to Maldives (March 2015) we utterly wanted to go back, but with a smarter budget to spend (so hopefully we can make it a habit, wish!).

Compared to our first trip, our next one (July 2016) was around USD1,000 cheaper! Having had more days spent (5days) and more activities done (i.e. island resort day trip, dolphin sunset cruise, snorkeling and sandbank trips, and a night at an island resort), we definitely made good deals on what we’ve spent this second time.

So let me share the following points (based on research, advice and experience) on how not to be poor and stay home until the next pay day, at the end of your Maldives holiday:

• Flight: It is cheaper to take off from South Asia (India or Sri Lanka) or the middle East (Dubai/Doha/Muscat). Or, like a hustler traveler, sign-up for flight deals or low fare notifications.
• Accommodation: Should you take a water villa or a beach villa in an island resort? Both are much more (10x) expensive compared to a hotel room in Male or Humhumale, the city islands. A water villa in an island resort could cost at least USD500. Is it worth it? Of course it is when you are in Maldives! But then, if you want to stay for longer days -better take a beach villa for the rest of days and take a water villa for a day or two just to experience. Or best, stay in Hulhumale for a USD50/night good enough beachfront hotel; then, find a local travel agency (I highly recommend Secret Paradise, based on experience) who can book you and provide a free transfer to a resort so you can stay for a night or two and experience the luxury an island resort offers -which we did on our second time in Maldives!
• Transfers: Another freaking high budget cost on a Maldives holiday is the round-trip transfer from the airport (Male) to your chosen island resort. Some resorts could be reached by boats (normally USD150 per person) and some are only accessible by seaplane (prepare your USD500 per person just for the transfers). You can always check the transfers cost at the policy/important notes, some charge (50%) kids as young as 2 y.o.
• Food: All island resorts offers half-board, full board, or all inclusive package for your daily meals. Definitely though, island resorts charge higher (compared to the food prices in Male & Hulhumale) since the only option for guests is to get food from their restaurants, plus the fact that they have logistics cost for their goods requirement. The good side, being a Muslim nation, alcohol is not sold in Male and Hulhumale but only on resort islands for tourists.
• Activities: Island resorts monopolizes their services, and that includes their tours and trips. So if you want a cheaper dolphin cruise or snorkeling trips and what not, book and get them from Male or Hulhumale -and that means staying in either of the latter for a day or two before you go to your chosen island resort. You can compare the rates from your prospect island resort with this recommended local holiday agent and see the price differences.
• Seasons: July and August are the cheapest months for resorts, could be due to the monsoon but don’t worry -the sun will still be glorious most of the day. It was said that the busiest, hence the priciest, are from December-April.

Experience Maldives via its many exquisite island resorts. Stay in a water villa or beach villa and let time slow down as you bask around paradise. Pictured here are the water villas of Paradise Island, beach villa is more than enough for us this second time!

Ahhh… what holidays are for ❤️ Lazy lounging in front of our beach villa 🐢

The boutique hotel we stayed in for 3daya in Hulhumale, Lonuveli Hotel. Not bad service and the rooms are decent enough for the price (around 100USD/night). Very frugal breakfast selection but hey, better than nothing 😉 This one’s from a travel package via Holiday Factory (best-value price type of travel agency).

For great value activities from Hulhumale, book these guys – secretparadise.mv -for a half day sandbank trip, 2 snorkeling spots and a dolphin sunset cruise on a private boat, you only pay 110USD/person. ❤️ Shout out and big thanks to Ruth and Kamey!

Snorkel around the islands booming with sea life, snorkel spots in Kurumba and Sheraton are epic places for fish corals and stingrays, respectively.

The views at night from the beachside bar of Paradise Island resort … ahhh life.

Overlooking 1 out of the 1190 beautiful coral islands in Maldives 😍

See, you don’t really need to break your bank just to go to Maldives. There are a lot of ways to save bucks and be smart with your spending in and around that beautiful archipelago. Once you’ve understood and tried the tricks, you’d want to go back with budget at ease.

Dubai’s Kind of Brunch: 2015 Part 2

Here’s yet another list of Dubai brunch destinations that the hardworking (and binge-partying) expats go to on weekends.

Due to blogging delay (pardon, busy mom!), it would be smart to check if prices have changed from when you decide to go today in 2016.

(in order of arrival)

1. Mistral – Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel | Saturday | 159Dhs non-alco; 259Dhs alco | Good: service, family-friendly, dessert selections | Bad: sushis aren’t fresh,  nothing exceptional nor special from mains | Go: if you want a budget-friendly brunch with family.
   

   Legends’ Legendary Brunch

2. Legends – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club | Friday | 250Dhs non-alco; 370Dhs alco | Good: ambience and views, outdoor seating, extensive hot and cold entrees | Bad: mains/steaks are in small servings (a la carte style) | Go: if you’re out to party, drink, relax and eat less.
3. Flavours on Two – Towers Rotana Hotel, SZR | Friday | 225Dhs non-alco | Good: extensive food selections, quality and taste, kids’ play area | Bad: a bit cramped | Go: if you want to eat a lot, drink and party later (Long’s bar is a step away inside the hotel).
   

   Bamboo Lagoon at JW Marriott Deira

4. Bamboo Lagoon – JW Marriott Hotel Deira | Friday | 395Dhs alco | Good: loads of food! a brunch combining 3 restaurants of the hotel (cuisines: Asian, seafood, and German/Hofbrauhaus); live band; pork sausages and other German delicacies ; laidback ambience ; dim-lit and waterfalls (take a table from the upper floor, right side) ; sake! | Bad: service can be slow, but not obnoxious | Go: if you love asian foods, pork and seafood… with nice live music on a warm
5. Casa de Tapas – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club | Friday | 150Dhs non-alco; 199Dhs alco | Good: value for money, live and festive Spanish music, tapas!, has space for introverts -prefers to eat and drink on a secluded bench, with the TV on | Bad: if you want to be close to the live band and the “party”, you have to sit within the smoking area; the paella is not so rich with seafood | Go: if you like to drink more and eat less.
   

   Little Bangkok, Media City

6. Little Bangkok – Business Central Towers, Media City | Friday & Saturday | 111Dhs, no alcohol | Good: family-friendly, authentic and tasty Thai dishes, good value, loads of special Thai drinks/mixes selections, service (the staff usually takes care of our son so we can focus eating more (harhar) | Bad: no alcohol | Go: if you just really want to eat Thai and savory dishes. No partying, just very full stomach! Tip -do not go immediately crazy on ordering loads of starters, it’ll get you too full for the mains. We had to go two weekends, consecutively, to be able to try more mains as we failed to do so the first time (binge problems).
7. Shores – Ramada Plaza, JBR | Friday | 225Dhs non-alc0, 325Dhs alco | Good: kids’ play area and snacks | Bad: you can find cheaper buffet with the same food selections/quantity/quality, sushi bar was displaced (beside kids’ area) hence we only knew after having desserts | Go: If you’re not choosy to get some brunch.
   

   Elia Mediterrenean Restaurant – Set Menu brunch

   

   Elia, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai

8. Elia – Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai | Friday | 150Dhs for a 3-course meal, non-alco | Good: authentic and tasty Greek dishes, gyros!, romantic and intimate ambience, good quality food, service | Bad: package does not include drinks | Go: if you want a quiet space to eat authentic and good Mediterranean food.
9. Thyme – Oasis Beach Hotel, JBR | Friday & Saturday | 99Dhs non-alco | Good: it’s quiet -if you’re dining as a family, that’s a plus | Bad: they changed their buffet price hence less food selections (no more pork section…), and no more live band -that was a nice acoustic duo. Go: if you want a hide-out brunch and value for money.
   

   Thyme for the n’th time!

If none of the above tickles your fancy, I hope some in my list from 2015 Part1 and 2014 could get you a bit hyped or moving (otherwise, I may be going to lousy brunches!).

Until the next list, brunch on!

Phuket, as usual.

Phuket, the original beach paradise in Thailand, won’t be as popular and crowded as it is now without the loads of activities or day trips you can gobble in or around the island. But if you want my unadulterated opinion, I heart more the popular Philippine beaches/islands based on beach-beauty category (i.e. Boracay, San Antonio, El Nido). 

Nevertheless, Phuket has its own charms depending on your relaxing-beach-holiday fetishes. The first time I was in Phuket was in 2008 and tried the 2nd most popular tour from Phuket -Phang Nga bay and James Bond Island tour. Seven years on, it has developed much especially the town center that is Patong beach. If you want peace and relaxation, this area of Phuket isn’t the place to be.  

Novotel Kamala. Ocean view room provides epic views, especially at sunset. And yes, it is a see through shower!

We stayed for four nights at Novotel at the much less bustled beach of Kamala. Conveniently 30mins away from the airport, compared to an hour distance if you stay around Patong.  

Loungers by the pool and the beach view, likeee!

We were in Phuket mid of July which is a low season and sadly a monsoon season, meaning much of rains or shades than sun (like we haven’t had enough of the Dubai sun/heat!). So if you plan on going on a tour to Phi Phi island or Maya bay, beware of the waves. If you’re easily seasick, don’t do the tours which require long boat rides!    

For AED280/USD75 per pax, the tour will take you to the Phi Phi Don island which takes 40mins on calmer seas, but due to the monsoon it took us 1hr and 20mins of rough seas and people puking around (ironically, our 7month old bambino was sleeping well with the waves). Includinng lunch, the tour further takes you to 2 snorkeling spots including Pileh lagoon, monkey beach, viking cave and supposedly Maya bay (shown in LeoD’s movie “The Beach”) which we couldn’t see due to the rough seas. 

If you want to explore Phuket island itself, it has much activities to keep your day occupied: go to Bangla road for early beers and loud music (at night, it sort of becomes a red light), zipline, elephant trekking, jungle safari, atv/quad bikes with friends, etc. But for us, towing a 7month bouncy boy, we went to see the tigers at the ‘kingdom’ and randomly saw a cobra show which was pretty fun and amusing (funny emcee and cobra master performer, you can tell they love what they do). And for my adventure-full and thrill-seeking hubby, a run up the hill by the beach was rewarding especially after taking the views atop the greeny hill.   
Phuket has been a fantastic holiday. And it’s always just ‘fanta-bulous’ whenever you holiday with your family. Travelling with a baby has its challenges but always worth it. ‘Til our next adventure, au revoir for now.

Cheers!

Dubai’s Kind of Brunch: 2015 Part1 (1H)

Dubai’s kind of “brunch” has been a staple for expats. After all that sun, sand and hardwork, we (including a full time mom like me yey!) all deserve to eat and binge like a king! 

Here are my reviews/opinions from the spots we have tried for brunch (on a Friday or Saturrday) at the first half of this year. Cost per person is not more than AED450 (alcoholic package or not) and those marked with asterisk means the 2015 Entertainer (2for1) vouchers were used:
 

Beachcombers

1. Beachcombers*, Jumeirah Beach Hotel: Cuisine – Pan-Asian, with more focus on Thai; Pros – yummy fresh seafood, live band, family friendly, outdoor seating with fantastic-in-your-face view of the Burj Al Arab; Cons – not really sure if there is something notable as negative from being here couple of times (dinner and brunch).

1. Casa de Tapas*, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club: Cuisine – Spanish tapas with paella and roasted piglet on the side; Pros – good service, nice views of the creek, live band; Cons – loud crowd (I’m including myself on this, harhar).
    
   

   Mazina

2. Mazina, The Address Marina Mall: Cusine – International; Pros – vast food selections, separate section for kids’ parties, roasted duck, foie gras, and their awesome dessert creations; Cons – either the tables are small or I had so much plates at once, nah its the former. And oh, we weren’t able to use Entertainer here.

3. Luciano’s, Habtoor Grand Hotel: Cuisine – Italian; Pros – Gelato, pork cold cuts; Cons – a lot. I think they are overpriced for the food selections they have, which is just a few. Could be too hot during summer as the location is open with pool views and small dim indoor dining area.
    

   

   BBC

4. Belgian Beer Cafe, Madinat Jumeirah: Cusine – Belgian; Pros – Kriek & Leffe (myself and my husband’s fave beers), belgian waffle; Cons – this branch at the Madinat offers set menu plus 3 beverages of your choice, quite a limited brunch compared to the rich menu/buffet offered at the two other branches (DFC, Tecom). 
    
   

   The Market Place

5. The Market Place*, JW Marriott Deira: Cuisine – International; Pros – Saturday brunch available, live cooking station for fish whether grilled/fried/steamed; Cons – not so extensive selections for starter and desserts (which I am more fond of).
    
   

   Dusit Thani’s Grand Brunch

6. The Grand Brunch*, Dusit Thani: Cuisine – Thai, Italian, American; Pros – a grand feast from the hotel’s 3 restaurants (Benjarong, Pax, The Californian). Its a good value for money. Ask to be seated at either Benjarong or Californian for superb views of the Burj Khalifa; Cons – few and not so special desserts. 
    
   

   Thyme’s Live band

7. Thyme*, JA Oasis JBR: Cuisine – Mediterrenean; Pros – intimate ambience, live band, fairly priced, pork section, loads of seafood and starters, good service; Cons – none personally, my husband and I come here often and always love it every time -mostly because it’s never crowded considering the quality of their food.
    
   

   AOC French

8. AOC French Brasserie*, Sofitel JBR: Cuisine – International with a touch of French; Pros – selections of sushi rolls/sashimi/maki, fresh seafood (oysters opened only as u take), pork cold cuts, non alcoholic package includes mocktails; Cons – not so flavourful mains, the starters can compensate for it. And no french pates or terrine or duck confit, if you’re expecting that.

Disclaimer: Please note that the above reviews are only my opinions and based on my experience, taste and standards. If you don’t agree -write your own blog (hehe), or for more info -google more *wink! 

See my 2014 brunch list here

Cheers!