What to do with broken crayons?

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One weekend, while cleaning, I asked my child if I could throw away these broken crayons because he got new ones anyway. He refused and said, “But daddy, they can still color.”

That little wisdom reminded me that even when life seems shattered, there remains a part of you that you can use to create beauty.

So if ever you feel broken, don’t throw yourself away. Remember that “broken crayons still color.” Even the Lord has ensured us that He is “…close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Other things you can do with your kids with their broken crayons

  1. Crayon Sorting and Organizing: Let kids sort broken crayon pieces by color and organize them into containers. This can help improve their color recognition and fine motor skills.
  2. Chunky Crayon Art: Encourage kids to use the broken crayon pieces to create chunky crayon art. They can arrange the pieces in interesting patterns or shapes on a piece of paper and then melt them together with a hairdryer to create unique artwork.
  3. Crayon Rubbings: Place a sheet of paper over textured surfaces like leaves, coins, or tree bark. Then, have kids use the sides of broken crayons to create colorful rubbings, revealing the textures underneath.
  4. Crayon Sculptures: Provide kids with clay or playdough, and let them embed broken crayon pieces into their creations. The crayons can add a fun, colorful twist to their sculptures.
  5. Crayon Marbles: With your supervision, kids can melt broken crayon pieces into small silicone molds to create crayon “marbles.” These marbles can be used for rolling and coloring on paper, creating unique textures and patterns.

These activities are not only a great way to make use of broken crayons, but they also encourage creativity and fine motor skill development in children. Ideal for families like us who do homeschooling crafts.

Are people in Dubai respectful?

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In Dubai, there is really a culture of respect for individual preferences. In some other countries, sadly, going against the norm can often result in ridicule and shaming.

For example, when dining, nobody judges whether you order a medium-rare or well-done steak. Nobody shames you if you order a salad at McDonald’s. Even if your coffee is from the gas station and not Starbucks, everyone respects our different choices.

Heck, no one bats an eye if I eat my chicken with bare hands. (I grew up with people who had to use the plastic spoon and fork when eating fried chicken at fast food restaurants. At pag nagkamay ka, “nakakahiya!”)

In Dubai, everyone’s choices are respected without a hint of mockery.

People respect differences

One time, I was having dinner with a group, and I was the only Filipino. When the steak was served, two people at my table asked if it was not cooked well because they do not eat undercooked meat. They don’t even know the level of doneness. One of them said it was a personal preference, while the other simply didn’t want to give it a try. Everyone at that table respected their preferences without any “you’re missing out on life” comments or reservations.

At another team dinner, someone did not order sushi because it had raw fish. No ifs, no buts. No one ridiculed him for his choice.

Another experience with an Italian friend: while they ‘denounce’ pineapples on pizza (it’s a big no-no), they never looked down on those who relished Hawaiian pizza. It’s a typical joke with the Italians, but they do not resort to calling out people.

In my uncountable dine-outs with people from different nationalities, I’ve consistently observed how open people are about their food preferences, even if they don’t align with the norm. What’s so nice is how others respond with acceptance and understanding without resorting to judgment or shaming.

At work, I often see people enjoying salads for lunch while sitting next to others indulging in Big Macs, and they’re all having a good time together. Their camaraderie is not defined by their food choices.

This is one reason that makes this city a pleasant place to live. Contrary to some other cultures, where your personal choices are often subject to unwarranted criticism, whether it’s your food preference, clothing style, or even lifestyle decisions.

OR… did I just happen to belong to a good circle of non-judgmental people?

Could be.

Photo from pexels.

Is life in Dubai good? It depends on who you listen to

When it comes to insights about life in Dubai, you’ll hear all sorts of opinions. Some love it, while others find it challenging. The truth is, life in Dubai can be both exhilarating and challenging, depending on various factors.

To make an informed decision about moving to or living in Dubai, you need to understand that experiences can vary significantly. A lot of factors influence people’s views on life in Dubai. Here are a few examples:

Life in Dubai is a subjective experience

Life in Dubai is a hot topic of discussion among expats and tourists. While some describe it as a vibrant, luxurious paradise, others emphasize the challenges. The truth is, the perception of life in Dubai hinges on a multitude of factors, including one’s financial status, personal experiences, industry, mindset, and more.

Cost of living and quality of life

Dubai’s cost of living can vary widely, depending on individual circumstances. For some, it’s an expensive city, while others find it reasonable. Quality of life is also subjective, with some enjoying the fast-paced lifestyle while others might find it demanding.

Employment Opportunities and Duration of Stay

Dubai’s job market is diverse, with varying opportunities across industries. The duration of one’s stay can influence their perspective, with long-term residents having a more comprehensive understanding of the city.

Personal experiences and points of privileges

Personal experiences significantly shape how people view Dubai. Positive experiences often result in a favorable opinion, while negative ones can taint perceptions. Privileges, like financial stability and the industry one works in, also play a significant role in one’s quality of life.

Mindset and passion

One’s mindset, whether positive or negative, can dictate their ability to adapt and find satisfaction in Dubai. Pursuing one’s passions and having a sense of purpose in the city often leads to a more fulfilling life.

Making informed choices is key

Life in Dubai is a subjective experience. When considering a move or assessing your current life in Dubai, consider the source of information, their specific circumstances, and how it aligns with your goals and values.

Your Dubai journey will be uniquely yours, influenced by your individual circumstances and aspirations.

Photo from pexels.com

‘Fight’ over parking spot in Dubai

Last weekend in Al Qouz, I had an unexpected encounter with another driver over a parking spot. I had patiently positioned myself to enter the parking space, waiting for the cars to pass by, when suddenly, a luxury car drove fast, claiming the spot.

I pulled up beside her, rolled my window down, and told her I was patiently waiting for that spot. She apologized, saying sorry many times while telling me her reasons. She also offered to move her car out and let me have it, since she knew she was in the wrong.

However, I chose to take a different approach. I told her there was no need to move out and that I could find another parking spot on the next block. She insisted that I take the spot, but I declined again, assuring her that it was perfectly fine.

Choose kindness

At that moment, I picked up something important. I may have been in the right, but I didn’t need to be rude to prove it. I was reminded at that moment about the recent message I heard – to choose kindness over imposing your rights. It turned out to be a small act of compassion that brightened her day, and it left me feeling good about the way I handled the situation as well.

Kudos to the lady for humbling herself also and for being willing to move out and offering the parking space back to me. I wish more of us would be extra conscious and choose kindness over escalating the situation unnecessarily.

Thank God for the reminder to stay calm.

Choose your parking; I mean, battle.

Ben&Ben heading to Dubai hopes to uplift the world with ‘Courage’

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The Filipino band encourages listeners to reach for their dreams and goals in life despite dealing with personal tribulations.

Ben&Ben releases yet another inspiring tune that speaks to all of us who’ve faced tough times in life. They’ve just released an acoustic version of their new song, “Courage.” It’s a heartfelt dedication to all the dreamers out there struggling to find their inner strength in this sometimes unforgiving world.

The band has had its share of challenges over the past few months, and they’ve been through some tough times.

“These valleys have been the inspiration for Courage. We realized that, as visceral as the feeling of hopelessness may be for us, we wanted to channel it into an uplifting piece of music because it is something a lot of people are going through now but have a hard time verbalizing.”

Ben&Ben

This stripped-down version of “Courage” is a testament to their roots and the simplicity of acoustic guitars and warm melodies.

“We went back to our roots for this one, wherein we let the reverberations of the acoustic guitars envelope the harmonies we did for the vocals. We kept it simple for the first release of Courage because we wanted to get the message of the song to our listeners as soon as possible.”

Ben&Ben

It’s a confident step back to their intimate and intuitive style, one that reflects their journey as individuals and artists. It’s not about being perfect or always winning. It’s about holding on to perseverance and courage to make the world a better place.

Ben&Ben plans to record and arrange the final version of the song in the coming weeks. This is a unique moment in their career, as they share the stripped-down version of the track with their fans before building it up together as a band.

Awards

Ben&Ben has been nominated for seven awards at the 2023 Awit Awards, including Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

Ben&Ben show in Dubai

They’re currently on a world tour, with upcoming stops in Sydney and Dubai this month.

You can buy tickets to their Dubai show on October 14 here.

Last year, we had the opportunity to sit with them and have fun conversations over lunch. Check out the video here.

You can listen to “Courage (acoustic version)” on all digital music platforms worldwide.

All running events in Dubai, UAE for the last quarter of 2023

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Last updated: 26th October 2023

The good running weather is back, bringing with it the perfect conditions to hit the pavement once more. As we reach the last quarter of 2023, put on those shoes, as an exciting lineup of events promises to elevate your running experience.

From city marathons to scenic trails, there’s something for every level of enthusiast. So, lace up, embrace the joy of running, and look forward to an unforgettable season of fitness and fun.

Here are the running events happening in the next 3 months:

October 2023 running schedule

9thSharjah SC RunSharjah SafariAED95Join
11thMohamed Bin Zayed Fun RunAbu DhabiFreeJoin
14thDubai Women Run ChallengeDubai FrameAED50-155Join
15thAl Dhanah Community RunCentral Park, RuwaisAED55Join
15thSkechers Performance RunMeydan, DubaiAED125-175Join
21stWizz Air Neon RunDubai D3AED105-330Join
21stCIGNA Run and FitnessKite Beach, DubaiFreeJoin
21stDubai Parks & Resorts DuathlonDubai ParksJoin
21stADCB Pink RunZayed Sports City, Abu DhabiAED110-160Join
21stUForm Al Ain Night RunAl Ain Cycle TrackAED58Join
22ndWadi Al Helo Trail RunWadi Al Helo, SharjahAED68-89Join
25thAl Ain Fun RunTowayya Park, Al AinFreeJoin
28thAl Ain Zoo Pink RunAl Ain ZooAED65-95Join
29thLabor Road RunMuhaisnah 4, DubaiAED110Join
29thMai Dubai City Half MarathonDIFC, DubaiJoin

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon

The 5th edition of the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is coming to DIFC on October 29, 2023. It’s promised to be the biggest and best edition yet! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to challenge yourself, you can join any of the following race categories – 5k, 10k, or 21k races and experience the thrill of the run. Register here.

Al Ain Zoon Pink Run

Al Ain Zoo hosts the Pink Run on Saturday morning, October 28. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, runners are encouraged to support this unique run for the cause.

Starting at the main entrance, runners will enter the park and loop around to the safari area crossing through the flamingo pond, the world desert area, and the African habitat. After passing zebras, camels, and giraffes, the route zigzags past lions and chimps and around the big cat oasis before heading back to the main entrance. 

November 2023 running schedule

4thNakheel Palm RunThe Palm, DubaiAED47-236Join
4thCity Walk Eco RunCityWalkAED30Join
4thSilicon Central Family RunDubai Silicon OasisFreeJoin
4thADNOC Abu Dhabi Race Series 3/3Marsana Beach, Abu DhabiAED57-183Join
4thCIGNA Run & FitnessKite Beach, DubaiFreeJoin
5thDubai Women’s Run 2023Dubai Festival CityAED105-183Join
5thDubai South RunDubai South HQAED50Join
11thAl Ain Night Run RaceAl AinAED60-150Join
11thDubai Women Run Challenge 4/4Love Lake, Al QudraAED50-155Join
11thAsian Half Marathon DubaiAED100-150Join
12thDoughnut RunAl ittihad Park, The PalmAED125Join
12thCreative Zone Road RunMeydan, DubaiAED78-126Join
12thBlue Circle Beach RunSharjahAED50-90Join
12thSkechers Performance RunMina Rashid, DubaiAED125-175Join
15thRun in the DarkDubai D3AED169Join
18thNBF Fujairah Road RunFujairahAED40-125Join
18thNBF Fujairah Trail RunFujairahAED108-135Join
18thAURA Sky Pool Tri in the SkyThe View, DubaiAED250Join
18thGladiator OCR Desert ChallengeX Quarry, DubaiAED195-245Join
19thMai Dubai Community Run 1/4Ripe Market, Academy ParkAED110-130Join
22ndDubai Harbour Night RunDubai HarbourAED125-175Join
25thZayed Charity RunAbu DhabiAED0-57Join
26thDubai RunSheikh Zayed RoadJoin

What is Run and Ride Central?

Part of Dubai Fitness Challenge, this Fitness Village offers a variety of complimentary classes ranging from spinning and running to workouts like HIIT and Body Combat.

With over 600 free sessions running throughout the month, there’s definitely something for everyone. It’s an ideal place for your 30 minutes of exercise before or after work, or even during your lunch break!

December 2023 running schedule

2ndKalba Half MarathonKalba, SharjahAED85-100Join
3rdSkechers Performance National Day RunDubaiAED125-175Join
3rdUAE 52 RunAl AinAED0-150Join
3rdMa’an RunAbu DhabiAED89Join
10thKhorfakkan Mountain ChallengeSharjahAED115Join
10thBurjeel RunDubaiFreeJoin
10thBeach Run DXBKite Beach0 – AED315Join
16thAl Ain Adventure Race WAR 22Al AinAED275-395Join
16thADNOC Abu Dhabi MarathonAbu DhabiAED50-350Join
17thMai Dubai Community Run 2/4Ripe Market – Academy ParkAED110-130Join
31stAjman Half MarathonAjmanAED85-100Join

Is it safe to travel to Dubai amidst war between Israel and Gaza?

While the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is a concern, Dubai remains a generally safe destination for tourists. The UAE has a strong commitment to security and has taken measures to ensure the safety of its visitors.

So far, only outbound flights from the UAE to Israel are being canceled, as reported in the news.

Always be informed

The situation can definitely change rapidly, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the situation. Before your trip, check for any travel advisories from your government or international organizations. It is wise to exercise caution and follow local guidelines and instructions.

While it’s important to be aware of the broader regional context, many visitors continue to enjoy their trips to Dubai without encountering any issues related to the ongoing conflict.

As always, stay informed.

Photo from pexels.com

Where to find authentic taho in Dubai?

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Is there an authentic taho in Dubai?

Even though there’s been a lot of Filipino food coming to Dubai already, there’s still one special taste from home that I hope will become really big in Dubai – my childhood favorite, Taho. It reminds me of the times I rushed through the streets of Manila to buy a cup… just brings back so many fond memories.

I know there were a few taho products already in the previous years, but I couldn’t say they bring the “legit” taste of the OG.

That’s why I was very happy after trying Jaiko Taho recently. MASARAP!

What is taho?

Taho (sweetened soybean curd in English) is a comforting street food made of three essential elements: silky tofu, arnibal (a sweet syrup made from caramelized brown sugar), and sago or tapioca pearls. It is traditionally served warm in a clear cup on the streets of the Philippines.

Whenever we hear the irresistible “Tahoooo” call by the vendor echoing through the streets, the inner child in us hurries outside for fear of missing out on this delightful morning treat.

Legit taho made its way to Dubai

It’s hard not to like Jaiko Taho. With its silky and smooth soya, soft pearls, and the thickness of arnibal, I could say “Parang Pinas” feels nga!

What sets them apart is not only their commitment to bringing the tradition to Dubai but also their innovative twist to add flavors. In addition to the classic, there are Ube, Lotus Biscoff, and Taro Cheese flavors as well.

How much is taho in Dubai?

Jaiko comes in two cup sizes:

  • Classic – 10oz AED15, 12oz AED17
  • Ube with Ice Cream – 10oz AED17, 12 oz AED19
  • Taro Cheese with Ice Cream – 10oz AED17, 12oz AED19
  • Lotus Biscoff – 10oz AED17, 12oz, AED19

My favorites are the classic and Ube. Taro cheese coming in second. I like them warm when delivered. Surprisingly, I also enjoyed them chilled at night.

Where to buy Jaiko Taho?

You can order through WhatsApp at +971-58-5600471. Follow them on Instagram to learn more about their delivery services.

Interfaith dialog program planned in Dubai

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The Abrahamic Family House announced its upcoming interfaith program focusing on peaceful coexistence, the role of faith in culture and the arts, and addressing global challenges. The program will bring together a diverse and friendly community of leaders, academics, religious figures, and artists.

In addition to that, they’re also keeping things lively with community events, workshops, and club activities that are open to everyone. There will be workshops in the coming months about sustainable practices and group discussions to exchange knowledge, ideas, and experiences across generations. Plus, a series of film screenings, poetry readings, and literature sessions are in the pipeline.

Houses of Worship

The three houses of worship, namely, Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, also organize their own separate religious services and programs for their distinct faith communities.

Since opening earlier this year, Abrahamic Family House has become a welcoming gathering place, encouraging learning and dialogue among diverse communities. Everyone from all walks of life is welcome to join engaging activities that promote dialogue, celebrate diversity, and deepen understanding of different faiths and cultures.

The program will begin with “Rethinking Sustainability and Peace through a Spiritual Lens on September 21. The session will delve into the religious teachings and theological principles behind sustainable living practices present in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

On September 27th, “Art Symbolisms Across Faith Traditions” will reveal the significance of art and calligraphy in all three religions, showing how art expresses religious experiences and spiritual growth.

Community Interfaith Program Highlights

  • Peace Café, an initiative that invites community members to collectively explore solutions to global challenges in an open and accessible setting
  • A community gardening workshop on how to grow food and maintain healthy, sustainable community gardens
  • Language Exchange, which invites the community to come together to discover each other’s culture and language
  • Monthly book clubs for adults and children: the session for adults will host insightful discussions on the themes and content of selected books, while the children can engage in interactive reading and story-telling sessions to nurture their creativity and raise their cultural awareness
  • Conversations, a monthly social activity for high school students to meet and engage in informal open discussions to better understand each other’s faiths and cultural backgrounds

For more details, check out our Instagram page, and don’t forget to register your attendance online before your visit.

What is the Abrahamic Family House?

The Abrahamic Family House is dedicated to fostering peaceful coexistence for generations to come. Encompassing a mosque, a church, a synagogue, and a forum to learn and nurture mutual understanding, the Abrahamic Family House welcomes people from all walks of life to exchange knowledge and practice faith. 

The Abrahamic Family House embraces diverse beliefs founded on common humanity, coming together in peace, inspired by the principles in the Document on Human Fraternity and the values of the UAE.

Company rewards Dubai delivery drivers on their birthday

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As it turns 30 years old, Mister Baker will celebrate the birthdays of delivery drivers with a cake. This is one of the company’s ways to say ‘thank you’ and to honor them for their round-the-clock and tireless service.

The initiative starts today, October 1, 2023, and will run for one year.

Delivery drivers will be invited to any of the Mister Baker branches across the UAE on their birthday, and they will be gifted with two well-deserved complimentary pastries from the bakery. All they need to do is present their Emirates ID.

We at Mister Baker are awe of the dedication and hard work of delivery boys. We want them to know that their efforts don’t go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated. This is our way to encourage them to smile and celebrate. Our hope is that these little packages bring a smile and warmth to their special day.

Mandeep Chanana, General Manager at Mister Baker