ABOUT ME

I was born in Australia and raised in Sicily. I speak fluent Italian (and plenty of other languages after a few vinos) and have lived most of my adult life in the UAE which is longer than anywhere else (18.5 years). I am married to a lovely Scottish lad and have twin girls aged 4 who are the best thing I ever made. I am currently attempting life as a vegan, which is challenging considering how much I love every type of food.

WHERE IS HOME?

At birth my home was Brisbane. Age 5 my home became Sicily. Age 12 my home was once again Brisbane. Age 24 my home became Dubai and still is. I would say wherever I lay my hat, but would also add that I could live anywhere as long as my hubby and children are with me.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? 

I wanted to be a vet. But after assisting a vet for a week during work experience, I changed my mind. Then it was fashion designer as I loved to draw. Seemed a hard business to crack so I changed to interpreter and studied languages at University. After a gap year abroad I figured being a flight attendant would be cool gig so from 2000-2014 that’s what I did and loved it. In 2014 I got married and wanted to start a family so I became a full time trainer at Emirates.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

In 2018 I decided to be a stay at home mum and have been ever since. I am so grateful for the opportunity be home with our girls and grateful to my husband for the support. I am aware that not everyone has this luxury and try to make the most of every minute. Truth is, I miss them when they are at school (yes I’m the weirdo that enjoyed home schooling) and I’m also one of those mums that still watches them when they sleep. And will probably be one of those mums that hides in the back row at the cinema on their first dates. Sorry, not sorry.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

Probably dancing with them. During lockdown I would often put on lots of different music from Elton John to Tchaikovsky and just dance around the house. I would love to expose them to lots of different genres and artists in hope they don’t one day think Fleetwood Mac is a new burger at McDonalds. Maybe in the future when they hear certain songs they will be transported back to these carefree times. Even though they are getting quite heavy now, I love holding them in my arms and hearing them giggle.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS?

Typically we are visiting friends/family or having them over for lunch. I am lucky to have my brother, his wife and baby living here too, so we sometimes get together and zoom mum and dad in OZ. Hubby and I love hosting long lunches and he loves wowing people with his Butter Chicken. Pre-Covid we have been known to enjoy a few family friendly brunches. Our friends are more like family so they are an important part of our lives.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE?

Put it this way, I have never lost that loving feeling about this movie.

IF YOU COULD EAT ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Probably Bruschetta. I mean it has all the ingredients I love. Bread, tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, olive oil. OR Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino  (Garlic, Chilli and Olive Oil) OR a good old fashioned Sausage Roll…This is a tough question. I hope I am never limited in this way.

WHO’S YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Well, I wouldn’t kick Jason Momoa out of bed for farting.

WHICH DESTINATION IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO VISIT?

Well being a Trolley Dolly meant I got to see lots of beautiful places but the one I long for most right now is Croatia.

WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Playing Candy Crush while sitting on the toilet.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Curing Cancer. So whether that be with a miracle medicine, a dance or a laser beam from my hands doesn’t matter. I just want it gone.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN DUBAI?

Too many reasons have kept me here so long (feeling safe, the strong community feel, exposure to many cultures/foods) but one of the top ones would be its geographical position. Most of our vacations are spent in Australia, Scotland and Italy and Dubai is pretty much in the middle. Winning.