Category Archives: Expat

Tooth Fairy BUSTED!

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Circles in the Sand

“Don’t tell Mummy!” Son2 glanced at his brother and stifled a laugh as my curiosity grew. He brought his index finger to his mouth. “Shhh.” “Don’t tell Mummy what?” I asked, deeply suspicious. Hopeless at keeping a secret, Son2 then … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dubai, Expat, Family, Parenting | Tagged telling children the tooth fairy isn't real, the truth about the tooth fairy, tooth fairy, tooth fairy a fake, tooth fairy busted, when kids find out you've been lying about the tooth fairy, when the kids find out the tooth fairy isn't real | Leave a comment

Read me (if you dare)

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

There is a time of the year (it used to be a night, now it’s nearly all month) when expat communities in Dubai become satellite suburbs of the good ole’ US of A. It starts with a few Halloween decorations … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dubai, Expat, Family, Parenting | Tagged do people decorate for Halloween in Dubai?, do they celebrate Halloween in Dubai?, expat life in Dubai, Halloween fancy dress Dubai, Halloween in Dubai, Halloween in Meydan South Dubai, Halloween in UAE, pilot family in Dubai, trick or treating in Dubai | Leave a comment

Little America: Dubai’s ball field, basketball and more

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

INFO POST: Despite the heat, guest blogger Kristin Lewis can truthfully say they are never bored in Dubai On offer in our glorious desert city is horseback riding, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding, trampoline parks, skate parks, skydiving lessons at FlyDubai, … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dubai, Expat, Family, Parenting | Tagged activities on offer in Dubai, American kids in Dubai, American sports in Dubai, baseball fields Dubai, baseball in Dubai, basketball in Dubai, Dubai Little League, How to keep kids busy in Dubai | 2 Comments

On losing it over homework (and why they won’t cooperate)

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

Saturday morning (the last day of the weekend here in the UAE) saw me feeling determined: my kids were going to get their homework done early, rather than leaving it until last thing on Saturday night when we’re all tired … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dubai, Expat, Family, Parenting, School | Tagged boys and homework, Dubai schools, homework, parents did homework without Google, why children hate homework, why kids won't do homework | Leave a comment

FREE e-book for readers!

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

PSSST, my little e-book is free! It’s up for grabs for the next 24 hours at: In the UK: Click here In the US and worldwide: Click here Alternatively, please search for Cupcakes & Heels in your local Amazon online … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dubai, Expat, Parenting | Tagged book giveaway, books, Circles in the Sand author, Circles in the Sand books, Cupcakes & Heels, dubaiunveiled author, e-books, free e-book, I don't know how she does it abroad book, Kindle deal, life in Dubai, Marianne Makdisi author, Reading, stories about expat life in Dubai, stories about life in Dubai | 5 Comments

Rescued: From Rags to Riches

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

There’s a new addition to the Circles family: Meet Bella, our seven-month-old rescue pup. She was born on a labour camp in Umm al-Quwain – the little ’un of a litter of mixed-breed pups (Saluki/Lab, I’m told, and being a … Continue reading →

Posted in Dubai, Expat | Tagged adopt don't shop Dubai, adopting a dog in Dubai, adopting a dog in UAE, boys and dogs, desert dogs, dogs in Dubai, is Dubai a good place to have a dog?, Labrador Saluki, owning a dog in Dubai, rescue dogs in Dubai, rescue puppy, Stray Dogs Centre UAQ | 5 Comments

Dubai Mermaids: Catching the synchronised swimming wave

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

INFO POST: One of the best things about our sparkling emirate is the range of water sports available. From surfing to shark safaris, paddleboarding to scuba diving, the blue stuff offers something for everyone. For guest writer Kristin Lewis, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dubai, Expat, Family, Parenting | Tagged can you stay active in Dubai?, Circles in the Sand info post, how to keep kids entertained in Dubai, how to stay active in Dubai, sewing sequins onto swimming costume in Dubai, synchronised swimming Dubai, synchronised swimming UAE, water activities Dubai, water sports Dubai | Leave a comment

The Dubai Fountain (in our bathrooms)

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

So, I mentioned the other day that there are some maintenance issues with the villas we’ve moved into. Happens all over Dubai with new builds – concrete gets poured down drains and sets; pipes aren’t properly connected, that kind of … Continue reading →

Posted in Dubai, Expat | Tagged builders in Dubai, maintenance problems with new villas in Dubai, Meydan South maintenance issues, moving into a brand new house in Dubai, moving to Meydan South, the stress of moving house | Leave a comment

Lost and confused

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

Moving house in any country comes with challenges, but after two international relocations, I thought a move within Dubai couldn’t be too hard. Not so. I’ve spent the past two weeks feeling quite lost, and that’s just in the house. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dubai, Expat | Tagged getting lost in Dubai, Meydan South, moving house, pilot family living in Dubai, pilot family living in Meydan South Dubai | Leave a comment

Moving to Meydan: The new house rollercoaster

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Circles in the Sand

“So what do you think?” I asked, gazing at the lounge walls in our empty new villa. The smell of fresh paint tickled my nostrils as I waited for DH’s response. I’d gone for three different colours (green, charcoal and … Continue reading →