Real Parties in Dubai: Baby Einstein Themed First Birthday

One of the top Google search keywords that has been bringing a large number of visitors to my blog is planning and organising parties in Dubai, thanks to a post I had written on the subject a while ago.  

This insight has led to the birth of a brand new section on the eve of my blog’s third anniversary  =D. My dear readers, I am super excited to introduce ‘Real Parties’, a column dedicated to all those people looking for some real inspiration and local vendor details, to showcase creatively organised real parties in the country, and the region, to inspire and assist you in planning your next event.

To kick start this series, I have an awesome Baby Einstein themed party that Sarika Aidasani threw to celebrate her son, Ranveer’s first birthday. Sarika left no stone unturned to ensure her son, her family and their guests have a fabulous time. Below she gives us an overview of how she went about putting this wonderful party together. She has also very kindly shared vendor details that I have summarized at the end of the post.

 
I have loved organising events for the longest time I can remember. It all started off with social events such as Diwali parties, weddings, annual galas and then professionally moved on to corporate events (as part of being a PR consultant).

For Ranveer’s party, I chose the theme ‘Baby Einstein’ since in the last one year, he has lived by these DVDs. We have used it to cheer him up, to distract him, to keep him calm and what not. So I thought why not this be the theme?

Once my venue was decided, Gloria Hotel, I got started on the invite. My friend Deepti Rupaney Taimni (DR Design Co.), a well known graphic designer in Dubai, made me a design that worked perfectly with the theme.

While the invites were distributed, I was still working on the return. It took me the longest to decide these. I finally found the return that I liked. It was an imprint kit, a photo frame (gift supplied by Customise Me: 055 6563141 & packaged by Treasure Box: 050 7646362). I wanted to give something personalised but it was not easy to personalise the frame as I think it would damage it. So I decided to make stickers of each child with their full name and initial, which they can use on anything such as giving gifts, on their stationery and/or any belongings. I have had great feedback from my guests, so glad many of them really liked it.

Then the cake - this was simple. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I got it from Choco’a. I had tried and tested them several times and was very pleased with the cake when I saw it.

 
So now that the main things were sorted, I had to decide on an entertainment company and the options I’d like to offer my guests. For this, I felt, let’s stick to the basics. You can never judge a child’s mood and to try and do something totally different could be a bit risky. Hence, I went for the basic games, bouncy castle, face painter, hair braiding, tattoos, balloon bending, bubble machine and a soft play area for the little ones. Ranveer wasn’t walking then, so I wanted to make sure that there is something for his age group too.

I rented all of my entertainment from Crash and Castles (+971(4)3948422) who also helped me to do the décor. For the soft play, I stumbled upon Toys On Rent, really a life saver as I didn’t have all these toys and in this size. It was so very convenient. They dropped it off and picked it up.

There were special balloon arrangements made to serve as centerpieces on each table.

We also added little print outs of Ranveer’s party theme at the back of each chair instead of balloons.

I even made separate passage ways for entrance and exit as I didn’t want people to come in and leave from the same place and had placed roll up banners at all possible points to guide the people coming into the hotel.This made it easy to lay out the gift table (receiving) and organise the return gift table (done alphabetically).

All of this has been beautifully captured in pictures by the photographers I had at the event. I had a photo studio set up, done by Imprint Design, which was a chance for all guests to experience professional photography and make memories that would last them a lifetime.

 
To cover the entire party, I had three photographers as I wanted one to just focus on Ranveer and the family, while two photographers covered the event. I am so happy I had a number of photographers on hand as these are the priceless memories I am left with from the day.

Vendor Details:

Venue: Gloria Hotel
Invitation:DR Design Co
Decor and Entertainment: Crash and Castles
Toys rental: Toys On Rent
Return gifts: Customise Me: 055 6563141
Return gift wrapping: Treasure Box: 050 7646362
Photo booth:Imprint Design
Photographer for family: KR Creations
Photographer for event: Melrish Photography

Second Anniversary Special: Announcing First Giveaway Winner :)

The moment to share the result of my first giveaway is finally here :)

But before we do that, a big big thank you going out to each one of you who participated and to those who left me generous wishes in the comments. I’m so touched and honored and inspired to keep this lil space going :)

A big thank you also going out to Jacky’s Electronics for making my celebrations rock!

Back to the winner and I went down the traditional way to select one as you can see below :) The teddy basket was overflowing with entries :)

 

And the winner is…..

Congratulations Sheryl! You will receive your brand new 10 mega pixel digital camera shortly :)

Second Anniversary Special: Guest Post 2 by Archana Srinivas of Rang-Decor

Hello everyone, this is Archana Srinivas of Rang-Decor. Delighted to be doing a guest post for Lifealicious, as it turns two today. Thank you Komal for inviting me and congratulations on your blog birthday!

While growing up, I remember the lush money plant in various corners of our home, some climbing up, some swirling down, some in cracked mugs. They always seem to bring even the most mundane corner to life with their vibrant green.

Swirly money plants in recycled wine bottles…

Green indoor plants are a delight and the simplest way to perk up any kind of decor arrangement. At home I have loads of small plants in various corners. Here are a few captures.

My tiny Aloe Vera and other plants at the kitchen counter...

Angel Hair Fern in an antique brass container adds beauty to a dull corner...

Yes, it is a wonderful day isnt it?

So go ahead and place those green plants and see how they bring in beauty and vibrance:-)

Image credit: Archana Srinivas

Second Anniversary Special: Canon Camera Giveaway Courtesy Jacky’s

- This giveaway is now closed :) -

I was thrilled, so thrilled, when Jacky’s agreed to sponsor my first blog giveaway as part of the blog’s second anniversary :) 

So what are we giving away then today?

It’s a Canon 10mega pixel digital camera :) Yayyyy

To get your hands on this giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment in this post – you can leave us birthday wishes or just say Hi! :) How simple and easy, isn’t it!

You can also increase your chances of winning by:

• Tweeting this:

Lifealicious turns 2 & to celebrate @Komal_Nishka is giving away a Canon camera courtesy @jackysuae Visit http://bit.ly/godhCO for details

• Following the blog via Google Connect or via Networked Blogs from your Facebook account –you will find the two boxes on the right hand side. They look like this:

• Blog about Lifealicious anniversary celebrations and this giveaway on your blog and include the link in the comments section

Important: Leave a comment for everything you do, here are some examples

1st comment: Congratulations or Hello!

2nd comment: I have Tweeted about it (include your tweet link please)

3rd comment: I am following this blog via Google Friend or Networked blogs

4th comment: I have blogged about it (include the link please)

 

It is important that you do this because each comment will count so the more you comment the more chances you have of winning!

Note some of your comments may not appear right away as they will need to be approved

The giveaway  will close on Friday, 3 December 12midnight UAE time. A winner will be selected at random from the entries on Saturday, 4 December. Please come back on Saturday to see if the winner is you :)

P.S. The contest is open in the UAE only.

Second Anniversary Special: Guest Post 1 by Deeba Rajpal of Passionate About Baking (Potato Mushroom Croquettes Recipe)

I got a mail from Komal the other day asking if I was OK to doing a guest post for her sweet blog Lifealicious which turns 2 on the 1st Of December. I said yes of course, but had to settle for a simple post since Komal has a vegetarian blog, and eggs don't fit in. Most of my baking has eggs, and I was too short on time to do an eggless bake today. My next best bet are these Potato Mushroom Croquettes that are a BIG HIT in my home, and I make them as a side, or even an after school snack for the kids at least once a week. Each time I make them, I think I'd better post them soon as Komal will love them as she always asks when I'm posting my next vegetarian dish!

When I see a tweet, message or comment from Komal { her call-sign for me is Dee}, I am reminded of a bubbly brook, enthusiastic and fun. She is always full of joy, tweets her emotions from time to time, and is forever asking me for veggie options when she has entertaining to do. This is a recipe I developed for an olive oil brand here, keeping in mind my fussy daughters abject dislike for mushrooms. I had to find a way to get this source of protein into her, in a way that she would enjoy! Needless to say, she loves them, laps them up, and constantly asks for more. Can't get better than this!! Small joy otherwise, but for me huge satisfaction.

A croquette is a small fried food roll containing usually as main ingredients mashed potatoes, and/or minced meat, vegetables, and soaked white bread, egg, onion, spices and herbs, wine, milk, or any of the combination thereof, sometimes with a filling, often encased in breadcrumbs. The croquette is usually shaped into a cylinder or disk, and then deep-fried. The croquette (from the French croquer, "to crunch") was a French invention that gained worldwide popularity, both as a delicacy and as a fast food.

I shallow fry my croquettes on low flame to give them a crisp outer crumb. I made my own breadcrumbs with whole wheat bread toasted on low till dry, and pulverised in the processor with dried herbs, garlic granules and a few chili flakes. I think this is a great healthy option for a side dish, a snack, a tiffin box filler ... and if you roll them into small balls and fry them - a great party appetizer served on cocktail sticks.

Happy 2nd blogiversary Komal ... it's wonderful to know you, virtually for now,
but I'm sure we'll meet next time you are in Delhi!

Potato & Mushroom Croquettes
Recipe by Deeba Rajpal
A fusion recipe I created packed with nutrition, the humble potato is taken to greater heights with the addition of mushrooms sautéed in olive oil. Flavoured delicately with fresh coriander and rosemary, the surprise element of lime juice adds a delicious zing.
Makes 15 cutlets
Ingredients
200gms button mushrooms, chopped very fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped very fine
1 tsp red chili flakes
2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped very fine
2 tbsp Borges Pure Olive Oil
5-6 medium potatoes, freshly boiled and warm {Use waxy new potatoes for good texture}
Juice of 1 lime
25-50gms mature or regular cheddar
1 slice of brown bread
Salt to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp Borges Light Olive Oilto shallow fry

Method:
Place olive oil with garlic, chili flakes and fresh coriander in a pan, and simmer gently till garlic begins to sizzle.
Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté on medium-high heat till they give up all their moisture and are nice and dry.
Turn off heat and leave in pan.
Grate the potatoes in a large bowl. Grate the cheese in, and add with the cheese spread. Hold the slice of bread under running water for a few seconds, squeeze dry and add to the bowl. Add the mushrooms, lime juice and salt and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if required.
Divide into 15-16 portions and shape as desired. {You can make ahead and store them in the fridge at this stage for 1-2 days}
Dip each into breadcrumbs to coat all sides, and shallow fry on simmer in light olive oil or vegetable oil until crisp on both sides.
Serve with soup, freshly baked bread, tossed beans etc.
Suggestion – Make fun shapes for children like squares, diamonds, hearts etc. {You can even use a simple cookie cutter}

Woo Hoo, Lifealicious Turns Twooo :)

As run-of-the-mill as it may sound ;D, today is a really really special day for me. Lifealicious, my baby, has taken tiny lil steps and turns two.

It was just a couple of days ago that I woke up realising it’s the end of November already and I must plan something to celebrate the blog anniversary. That something has now become quite 
S O M E T H I N G :)

With special Guest Posts for the first time on the blog written by two of my most favourite and very popular bloggers. and my first BLOG GIVEAWAY courtesy of Jacky’s, this day has come together better than I could have ever wanted it to be.

To begin the party then, I am extremely honored to introduce you to my two guests who have dished out special posts.

First up, we have a lovely vegan recipe guest post by the superbly talented Deeba of Passionate About Baking.

Then we have the vibrant Arch of Rang-Decor giving us some simple decor inspiration to beautify our little spaces.

And finally, we have Jacky’s, a leading electronics retailer based in the UAE, giving away a super electronic something that I will share details on very shortly ;) Yes, please come back to know what it is and how you can get your hands on it :)

Thank you Deeba, Arch and Jacky’s for agreeing to be a part of this very special day :)

And a heart felt thank you going out to each one of you reading this. Your visit and support is really appreciated :)

1st Anniversary: Power to those Making a Difference

It’s hard to believe that Lifealicious is going to be one year old tomorrow – December 2. I hadn’t set out with any ambition for this blog and therefore achieving this first milestone means a lot.

And to celebrate this special occasion, I thought of many giveaways for my readers but couldn’t think of one that will make a huge difference to the recipient. Thankfully, we’re all blessed with quite a bit :) And that’s when I decided that my giveaway should be something that would really help make a difference somewhere to someone who really needs it. 

I’m so happy to have found that someone who will put to the bestest use and honoured to introduce you to Masarat Daud, a young woman in her 20s living in the UAE. Masarat is an example of those who not only dream but take action to set out on a path they believe in and do what they really want to.

With her 8-Day Academy, Masarat is taking tiny little steps to change the world. This initiative is currently going in to the rural areas of Rajasthan (India) and educating men, women and children in 8 days on something that is the need of that particular community – it could be computer literacy, public speaking, creative thinking or just about anything.

I was first introduced to Masarat on a radio show, Dubai Today, and was instantly attracted to her cause. She was narrating an incident of how a young teacher in her teens at one of the academy’s public speaking programmes in a small village in India couldn’t speak a word, she cried and cried on Day 1 and on Day 8, she was a new person with renewed confidence to take on the world. And all it took was 8 days! See a part of this on the YouTube clip here. It’s heart warming.

In many ways, the 8-Day academy is the need of the hour in this fast paced world- short, sharp and super effective.

So how did it all start? Well like a lot of us, Masarat was in a job she didn’t want to be in and then 26/11 happened in Mumbai which angered the hell out of her.  That is when she saw two choices in front of her– either stay with her job and build a hefty bank balance or go out there and make a difference. If she chose the former she had no right to get angry with what was happening around her and if she chose the latter there was hope that as more and more people were educated, they would be empowered and live a life of dignity.

She first did her session in February 2009 where 17 teachers in Shekhavati were taught computer literacy. In 8 days, from zero knowledge of computers, they knew and operated software such as MS Word, Paint, etc. These teachers have since passed their knowledge on to their students—more than 100 of them and still counting!

In celebration of my first anniversary, Lifealicious will donate AED 5 to Masarat’s 8-Day Academy for every comment (one from each person will be counted) posted here until 12 midnight on December 3.

This and all money that is collected goes towards funding more 8 day training programmes across rural India, towards replacing the much needed infrastructure in village schools and providing scholarships where parents can’t afford their children’s education.

If you’d like to know more about the 8-Day Academy, you can get in touch with Masarat on Twitter @masarat or by sending her an e-mail at masarat[at]8dayacademy[dot]org

More Power to you Masarat and a BIG THANK YOU going out to my readers for all the love, encouragement and support.

And wait, how could I forget – it’s the 38th UAE National Day too tomorrow, so here’s heartfelt wishes going out to the leaders and the people of this Nation.

Preparations Begin

"You will never plow a field by turning it over in your mind." Irish Proverb

I’m so excited right now and I know words will just flow, so taking the time to write a quick post :)

Since this is happening, I have only better understood the jig saw puzzle of life and events and how God puts us in situations that lead you to putting the pieces together and discovering it for yourself.

My first blog anniversary is just around the corner – December 2 to be precise. I’ve been thinking about what to do and last night an idea struck. Quickly tried to put things together and guess what – they have :)

I’d like you to come back here on December 2 and be a part of this celebration. I’ll need each one of you to support this day.