3 Reasons Why You Need To Go On A Road Trip To Fujairah

Visiting Fujairah means enjoying a broad range of activities. From snorkelling to visiting historic buildings - including the UAE's oldest & quaint mosque.
Posted on November 13, 2017 by Shea

ā€œOnce a year, go someplace youā€™ve never been before.ā€

Anonymous

Fujairah is one of the seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)Ā and could well be one of the most underrated of them all.

Initially, it wasĀ the promise of diving into the azure waters around Snoopy Island,Ā atĀ Al Aqah Beach, which enticed us to explore this area.Ā Yes, here in the desert you would expect sand and lots of it, however, it might surprise you to learn that, along with the gorgeous coastlines perfect for diving and snorkelling, there areĀ rugged mountain ranges to drive across and Fujairah is also home to some of the oldest buildings in the UAE. Read more »

Categories: Family Travel, Middle East | Tags: , , | 14 Comments

Effective Natural, Organic Skincare Overhaul: Interview with Green Chic

Natural, Organic, Effective Skincare Overhaul: Interview with Green Chic_conversationswithmysister.com.au
Posted on November 6, 2017 by Shea

The goal is to inspire people to learn more about natural products and show that natural beauty is mainstream, contemporary and delivers results.ā€Øā€Ø

Vila Vasoodaven, Green Chic

 

We certainly are spoilt with choice these days as promises of ā€˜naturalā€™, ā€˜organicā€™ and ā€˜greenā€™ can be found branded across a large portion of skincare products which fill the shelf. The challenge we are now faced with is having the ability to sift through the jargon to identify authentic and ethically run companies, who have produced a natural product, which actually works.

Necessary research and shopping around takes time (we so seldom have) and the everyday consumer definitely can not afford to learn these lessons the hard way – right?

I get it!

So let me throw out a helping hand right now and introduce you to Vila, this week’s guest to CWMS. Vila is the Founder of the unique online cosmetic store here in the UAE called Green Chic and is more than qualified to research all the finer details behind product labels. Green Chic has a not negotiable set of guidelines when it comes to ingredient choices and proudly supports both local and international companies who meet the exacting criteria, including a stand against animal cruelty. Read more »

Categories: Hunting & Gathering | Tags: , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

An African Safari in the Greater Masai Mara – With Kids

The Masai Mara holds unmistakable magic. Glamping out on the plains, being surrounded by African wildlife, being educated by a Masai Warrior and enjoying sundowners on the roof of the safari jeep is an experience which stays with you for a lifetime. Read on for all the reasons why an adventure to Kenya should be on everyone's bucket list.
Posted on October 3, 2017 by Shea

“Take Nothing but Pictures, Leave Nothing but Footprints, Waste Nothing but Time.”

Unknown

On arrival to the Masai Mara, according to the itinerary, our immediate plan was to head directly to our accommodation. ā€œIt could take 15 minutes or two hours to get to campā€ says our Masai Mara Guide, ā€œdepending on what we see!ā€

And just like that; our family unit was on an African Safari! Read more »

Categories: Africa, Family Travel | Tags: , , , | 13 Comments

Rekero Camp Kenya: Escape On A Once In A Lifetime Eco Safari

Rekero Camp is located in the heart of the Masai Mara, Kenya and this year the luxury campsite is celebrating 30 years of accommodating guests on safari. But the acknowledgements donā€™t stop there. In July 2017, appropriately coinciding with the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development, Ecotourism Kenya awarded Rekero Camp the prestigious GOLD Eco-rating Certification toĀ recognise theirĀ consistent level of excellence. Read all the details here
Posted on September 2, 2017 by Shea

Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.Ā  Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.

(TIES, 2015)

Rekero Camp is located in the heart of the Masai Mara, Kenya and this year the luxury campsite is celebrating 30 years of accommodating guests on safari. The acknowledgements donā€™t stop there. In July 2017, appropriately coinciding with the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development, Ecotourism Kenya awarded Rekero Camp the prestigious GOLD Eco-rating Certification toĀ recognise theirĀ consistent level of excellence.

So how does staying in a fully furnished tent, perfectly positioned to overlook the alluring plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve sound to you?

Read more »

Categories: Africa, Family Travel | Tags: , , , | 12 Comments

Your Sustainable Lifestyle Checklist – A Universal Perspective

This Sustainable Lifestyle Checklist shares earth friendly actions you can take in all areas of your everyday. It includes new habits you can form while grocery shopping, introduces simple routine changes in and around the home and how to continue with these while out and about. First you need to ask yourself why implementing these changes are important to you and remember - start small and be kind to yourself as change takes time.
Posted on July 20, 2017 by Shea

“Small positive acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

Anon

A sustainable lifestyle certainly is possibleĀ for those who have chosen apartment living and also for adventurous families who reside and travel between countries and cultures. Those whose life is full of unpredictable variables, in countries where sustainable awareness is still evolving, need to be kind to themselves and remember they can still stand by their values even when having to allow flexibility within their commitment.

Inspired to coincide with Plastic Free July, this post is full of constructive and actionable sustainable lifestyle suggestions. The intention is to encourage small and positive eco-friendlyĀ changes, with a strong focus on how to reduce unnecessary waste.

The format has been kept simple with highlighted links to posts which are written in more detail. Read more »

Categories: Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , | 23 Comments

Exciting Turtle Tales from Saadiyat: Rescue Rehabilitate Release

Turtle protection and rehabilitation is a hot topic of conversation in the UAE at the moment which is partly due to World Turtle Day, held annually on the 23 May. Environmental groups celebrated this day by holding official events to release rehabilitated Hawksbill Turtles back into their natural ocean environment. This is what it was like to be involved in such a crucial and exciting procedure
Posted on June 1, 2017 by Shea

ā€œYou cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.ā€

Jane Goodall

Turtle protection and rehabilitation is a hotĀ topics of conversation in the UAE at the moment which is partly due to World Turtle Day, held annually on the 23 May. Environmental groups celebrated this day by holding official events to releaseĀ rehabilitated Hawksbill Turtles back into their natural ocean environment. Here in Abu Dhabi 49 Hawksbill Turtles and 1 Loggerhead Turtle were releasedĀ at the beach at Emirates Palace and 12 Hawksbill Turtles atĀ Saadiyat Island.

And did you know it is also nesting seasonā€¦? Read more »

Categories: Family Travel, Middle East | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

1000 Nights Camp – Why You Need To Go Glamping In Oman

In this post our family adventure in Oman continues and our road trip takes us glamping at 1000 Nights Camp, located in the heart of Wahiba Sands. Time to head ā€˜off gridā€™ and enjoy the custom built comforts designed to provide insights into the nomadic lifestyle of the desert-dwelling Bedouins. This experience definitely deserves a place on your bucket list!
Posted on May 10, 2017 by Shea

ā€œLife is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.ā€

Anonymous

In this post, our family adventure in Oman continues and our road trip takes us glamping at 1000 Nights Camp, located in the heart of Wahiba Sands. Time to head ā€˜off-gridā€™ and enjoy the custom-built comforts designed to provide insights into the nomadic lifestyle of the desert-dwelling Bedouins.

Camels, sandĀ dunes, exotic sunsets and luxury tents – desert ā€˜glampingā€™ is without a doubt one experience you must enjoy for yourself if you are lucky enough to be exploring the Middle East.

Read more »

Categories: Family Travel, Middle East | Tags: , , | 8 Comments

Wadi Bani Khalid: Unique Family Adventure in the Desert of Oman

You will find Wadi Bani Khalid in the unique Sultanate of Oman and if you ever have the opportunity to visit you should take it! What makes the Sultanate of Oman unique is the combination of historical settlements, diverse landscape and ecological history, topped off with the warm welcome from the proud locals. No wonder Oman has been listed as one of the Top Tourist Destinations of 2016. Read more to see why...
Posted on May 2, 2017 by Shea

ā€œWe travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.ā€

Anonymous

You will find Wadi Bani Khalid in the unique Sultanate of Oman. And what makes the Sultanate of Oman unique is the combination of historical settlements, diverse landscape and ecological history, topped off with the warm welcome from the proud locals. In fact, those of us who have visited this Middle Eastern country have shared so many positive experiences, Oman has been listed as one of the Top Tourist Destinations of 2016. Read more »

Categories: Family Travel, Middle East | Tags: , , | 8 Comments

Fashion Revolution Week – the most perfect time for a #haulternative

It's Fashion Revolution Week and this year I would like to share a selection of '2hand' outfits in support of their '#haulternative' campaign. An initiative designed to start conversations around fun, practical and environmentally friendly alternatives to buying new, when your wardrobe needs refreshing.
Posted on April 27, 2017 by Shea

“Clothes aren’tĀ goingĀ toĀ changeĀ theĀ world. TheĀ womenĀ whoĀ wearĀ themĀ will”.

Anne KleinĀ 

It’s Fashion Revolution Week and this year I would like toĀ shareĀ a selection of ‘2hand’ outfits in support of their ‘#haulternative’ campaign. AnĀ initiative designed to start conversations around fun,Ā practicalĀ and environmentally friendlyĀ alternatives toĀ buying new, when your wardrobe needs refreshing. Read more »

Categories: Hunting & Gathering | Tags: , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Earth Hour At The Ritz, Enjoying A Blind Dinner In The Dark

Save The Date For Earth Hour and Pin For Later. Maybe you will be lucky enough to find somewhere hosting a blind dinner on the beach with a secret menu prepared with energy saving methods and organic ingredients. A table for two under the stars, listening to the sound of the ocean, really does sound like the perfect way to spend Earth Hour right?
Posted on April 1, 2017 by Shea

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank

Enjoying a blind dinner on the beach is what initially attracted my attention, closely followed by the intrigue of a secret menu prepared with energy-saving methods and organic ingredients.Ā A table for two under the stars, listening to the sound of the ocean, really does sound like the perfect way to spend Earth Hour right?

Such a shame Mother Nature had other ideas – or was itā€¦ Read more »

Categories: Middle East, Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , , | 4 Comments

Local UAE School Shares How To Hold a Successful Beach Clean Up

When a school community realise the tide is constantly delivering a large quantity of plastic pollution to their end of the ocean channel they organise not just one, but two successful Beach Clean Ups. This is the step-by-step recount of exactly how organisers coordinated their community to remove the offending waste before it re-entered the ocean current and, by doing so, left behind a clean and considerably safer environment for their children to ā€˜Play By The Bayā€™.
Posted on March 20, 2017 by Shea

ā€œDo Something Now.

If not you, who? If not here, where? If not now, when?ā€

 Theodore Roosevelt 

When a school community realise the tide is constantly delivering a large quantity of plastic pollution to their end of the ocean channel they organise not just one, but two successful Beach Cleans. Their primary focus being to remove the offending waste before it re-enters the ocean current and, by doing so, leave behind a clean and considerably safer environment for their children to ā€˜Play By The Bayā€™. Read more »

Categories: Talking Rubbish | Tags: , , , , | 12 Comments

A Fun Family Experience Not To Be Missed When Visiting Dubai

Old Dubai provides visitors with the opportunity to experience and learn about ancient architecture and history, while enjoying rides on the wooden abras around Dubai Creek. No visit is complete without wandering through the bustling souks or sampling fresh produce at the local markets. Allow us to give you a quick tour ...
Posted on March 11, 2017 by Shea

“A ship in the harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

John Shedd

Friday, the first day of the weekend here in the UAE and the perfect opportunityĀ to explore Dubai Creek and the area affectionately known as Old Dubai. Spending our downtime on the water, while experiencing a new-to-us pocket of this intriguing city, might be just what the Dr ordered.

It is hard to pinpoint whether it was the comfortable rays of the sun warming our backs, or the gentle rocking of the boat which was sending us into a blissfully calm and meditative state. Seagulls were pleasantly singing overhead and we could just make out the haunting call toĀ prayer, drifting out from nearby minarets. Read more »

Categories: Family Travel, Middle East | Tags: , , | 11 Comments