After over a decade in Dubai I feel fiercely protective over the city I now call home. One of its biggest criticisms I hear, both here and from abroad, is that the shopping is all big brands, in malls, and zero personality. And that’s simply not true. You just need to know where […]
Due to the recent law change, UAE drivers must now ensure that all passengers wear seat belts, and children are in appropriate car seats. Failure to do so, will result in AED400 fines, and black points on your license. This means buckling up in the back for all journeys, no matter how short, or […]
Since becoming a parent, my criteria for finding a family car has changed. Much like choosing a holiday destination, now it’s all about the kids, but not at the expense of our own enjoyment. For hotels, it’s about ease, entertainment, and safety – and when searching for a new car, it’s much the same. […]
When you decide to bring a child into the world, as parents we silently make a vow, a promise to do everything in our power to protect, feed, shelter and educate them. To do our best for these little ones who need us, rely on us and trust us with all their heart. […]
Now I’ve flown solo several times with a toddler and a baby I feel qualified to offer some advice to any parents who might be worried about flying with kids. And believe me I was worried too! Very. I had a horrible, nagging feeling about it, like I used to get when I had […]
September 9th is International First Aid Day, so I’ve teamed up with SST to offer one reader a training course worth AED350. It’s suitable for parents, nannies and caregivers, and covers all the skills you need to effectively care for sick or injured children, including CPR. Information is presented in a clear and straightforward format, with […]
DISCOUNT ALERT! I’ve teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to offer my readers a huge 15% off flights to London, until the end of the year! Yes, that means Christmas in the UK for bargain prices, long weekends away and maybe a holiday to recover from the summer (I’ve just checked online and with the code […]
I’ve just covered my two-and-a-half year old in Lush’s body lotion, Sleepy. ‘Slathered’ might be a more accurate term, as she now smells like a lavender-soaked granny and is damper than an otter’s pocket. It’s the third night of us using this so-called wonder product, and I have to say that we haven’t noticed a […]
During my first pregnancy we attended a couples’ class for hypnobirthing and yoga for birth, where there was much talk of perineum massage (no, it’s not available at SensAsia Spa), and the pelvic floor. One couple, who I’d describe as a bit ‘knit-your-own-yoghurt’ told the class that they’d bought a special gadget […]
Long gone are the/my nights of flocking to whichever bar gave ladies the most sparkling rosé on a Tuesday night, spending the evening wearing the highest heels and flicking hair. These days if I’m getting together with friends I want three things: A chair (bar stools don’t count – they’re anxiety-inducing) Someone to […]
I’m Helen Farmer, an editor and journalist, mum to 4-year-old Phoebe and 2-year-old Tabitha, wife to Nick and a mummy blogger in Dubai (even though I don’t really identify as one, but I blog, and I’m a mum, so there you go). I’ve been living in the Middle East for the last 10 years, working in books, magazines and broadcasting, shedding some light on the good and bad of life, work and motherhood in the UAE.
The Mothership is for you if you’re a busy, active mum who can’t stand small talk, bad info and twee blogs that make out that mothering is all unicorns and rose petals, instead of admitting that you can love your child so much it terrifies you – while still wanting a night in alone watching The Great British Bake Off with a double G&T or a night out pretending you don’t have children.
