9 Things for mums to do in Dubai this week

TRY VEGANUARY WITH ROOT’D: Dip a toe into the plant-based food trend with a new vegan meal plan service that is both healthy and genuinely delicious. Brand new to the UAE market, Root’D is a fabulously flavourful plant-based meal plan that will get both you and your kids feeling enthusiastic about vegetables (even our mini carnivores were converted). An expansion of the Freakin’ Healthy brand, the plans are packed with clean, wholesome nutrients, without sacrificing on deliciousness. There are three different plans available and over 45 meal options, priced at Dh120 for one day of three meals and snacks, or Dh2,400 for a month of 20 deliveries, https://freakinhealthy.com/rootd/.

SIGN YOUR LITTLE ONE UP TO THE BOUNCE NINJA SQUAD: Freestyle trampolining brand Bounce has launched a brand-new parkour coaching program, Ninja Squad, that is now open for registrations across all of its UAE venues. Aimed at those aged 8 years and above, kids can master new stunts, tricks and parkour skills. From beginner sessions focusing on learning to jump in a safe and controlled way, to Intermediate and Advanced programs that will involve wall running and flips, the classes are limited to small sizes and are based on ability, so there’s even an opportunity for families and friends to learn together. Call 04-3211-400 or visit www.bounce.ae.

INDULGE IN MOOD-BOOSTING ICE CREAM: If pandemic stress has seen you comfort eating more than usual then Brooklyn Creamery might have the answer – three new flavours of low-calorie and low-fat ice cream that contain functional ingredients to help improve your mood. From Cheer Me Up (387 calories for 450ml, Dh25), which contains serotonin-enhancing chocolate and hazelnuts, to Energize Me (340 calories for 450ml, Dh25), which is packed with antioxidant-boosting coffee affogato, to Chill Out (340 calories for 450ml, Dh25), a soothing blend of Blueberry and Lavender flavours, these sweet frozen treats are sure to give you a boost, without the usual guilt of a sugary treat. Available on Deliveroo and at www.thebrooklyncreamery.ae.

SIGN UP TO A SOOTHING EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP: If you’ve already binged on the full series of Bridgerton then you might just be inspired to try out a 2021 version of that popular 18th century pursuit – embroidery. Dubai-based DIY Workshop experts Turquoise Boutique are offering an Online Modern Embroidery Workshop, so you don’t even need to venture out of the house to get involved, which will talk you through techniques and stitches of this very accessible DIY project (your kids could get involved too). You’ll be able to create your own modern quote with floral motif, for a fabulous mixture of old and new. You can either sign up for the workshop alone (Dh50) or get all the materials (thread, hoop, fabric) included and delivered to your door for Dh195. Workshops on Wed 27 Jan from 7-10pm or Friday 29 Jan from 10am-1pm. http://turquoiseboutiquestudio.com/.

TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF WITH CARREFOUR’S NEW ‘COOKIT YOURSELF’ RANGE: Whether you’re juggling parenting with work, home learning or a mix of the above, sometimes, something’s got to give. But you can still feel like you’ve prepared a wonderful home-cooked meal for your kids (just for a fraction of the time, cost and hassle) with Carrefour’s new “Cookit Yourself” range —curated recipe boxes packed with pre-portioned fresh ingredients and step-by-step chef-inspired recipes. Meals include chicken and mushroom tagliatelle, salmon teriyaki salad, sweet and sour chicken, kerala style prawns, aubergine masala and dawood basha, and range from Dh25 to Dh70. Available in store or online, www.carrefouruae.com.

GET ‘THE GIFT OF TIME’ WITH TALISE SPA’S NEW TREATMENTS: If there’s one thing every mother is short on, it’s time. But throughout January, the newly reopened Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr is offering ‘The Gift of Time’, whereby you can extend your 60-minute treatment with a complimentary 30-minute add-on of choice. From signature massages to an extensive range of facials, body treatments, hammam treatments and healing rituals, the facilities include a sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool and private outdoor pool, as well as private guided meditation gardens and sound healing sanctuary rooms with energy crystals. The Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For reservations and bookings, contact mjtalise@jumeirah.com or +971 4 366 6818.

PLOT YOUR EMIRATES LIT FEST ACTION PLAN: Tickets are now on sale for Dubai’s biggest literary event of the year, and it’s never been more important to inspire a love of reading in our children. With a whole host of wonderful children’s events and authors visiting (including Magic Phil, Julia Johnson and many more), it’s time to plot your lit fest action plan. Ticket prices start at Dh60 for adult sessions, Dh40 for children’s sessions, and Dh100 for a digital pass to watch live-streamed sessions from home. A minimum of 10 top sessions will be streamed live from the big Festival weekend at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Emirateslitfest.com.

GET TICKETS TO A FAMILY-FRIENDLY VERSION OF ‘WHOSE LINE IS IT?’: Come and join the stars of “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The One Show” for over an hour of kid-friendly songs, scenes and gags all based on what the audience want to happen. Taking audience suggestions, the cheeky quartet then transforms them into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye with a perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners, epic stories, and explosive physicality. Suitable for adults and children from the age of 6 upwards. DETAILS: At the Theatre by QE2, MIna Rashid, Dubai, Friday 29th January, Kids Show (2 halves of approximately 40 minutes each with a 20 minute interval): First show – 10:30am; Second Show – 3pm, www.thelaughterfactory.com.

SIMPLIFY SNACKS WITH KOALA PICKS: Whether your kids are in physical school or home-learning, there’s always one theme that overarches more than anything else: the constant need for snacks. Healthy ones, ideally. But how difficult is that to arrange every few hours (or minutes)? Koala Picks has the answer, offering super tasty but entirely wholesome a nutritious school-safe snacks, delivered on subscription every month. Fully bespoke and tailored to you and your little one’s needs, each box contains a mix of sweet and savoury delights, from Choco Chip Cookies, Sweet Potato Crisps, Hazelnut Cannon Balls, Koala Crackers, to Pizza Bagels, Beet Brownies, Strawberry Rolls and much more. All items are made with 100% natural ingredients with no refined sugars or preservatives, colorants and other nasties. From Dh216 per month to Dh380 per month, if you order before the end of January you will also receive three complimentary breakfast items that will arrive with your first box. Koalapicks.com.