BrownEyedGirl | ExpatWoman.com
 

BrownEyedGirl

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 23:18
A litre a day for a child is an awful lot! The recommendation is 3 average classes or cups and that's for adults! Plus whole milk is loaded with saturated fat, so be wary of all those calories. I don't know many people that could tolerate drinking that much, there is a limit to how much the body can tolerate. Try semi or skimmed instead. Milk can be an important part of a babies diet. The OP said her child was just 1. Whole milk is recommended up to 2 years.
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 12:41
I can't recommend them as such because we haven't had our painting done yet but I thought their quote was very reasonable (5k for paint & labour - 3 bed villa) & I'm very happy with the other maintenance work they do for us. Jim'll fixt it. 800 fix.
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 22:14
Probably because the water temp that your clothes are washing at is higher owing to the already high temp of the water coming from outside.
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 09:04
Yes :-)
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Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 19:47
I went to Juan's on a recommendation from EW but I hated the cut he did - thought it was really amateurish. Have never been unhappy with Ted Morgan.
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Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 00:21
Agree!
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 14:05
I've spent a lot of time worrying about about the devolopment of my DS owing to comments from his reception teacher. Rationally I know he's bright (& happy at school) but I too found it hard not to dwell on her comments about him. My DD is 2 years & 7 months. She will start nursery in November. She does know all of her colours including tricky ones like brown & grey but her counting is not always very reliable! She seems able to assign value to different objects but 17 often follows 4! She might just recognize her own name but most certainly doesn't know the letters of the alphabet! I'm really surprised that this is a concern for the nursery! As one of the other posters mentioned this isn't normally taught until much later. I think her fantastic language development tells you all you need to know for now. Don't worry.
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Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 23:06
I go to the Dental Studio, near Spinneys, just off Al Wasl Rd. My 3 yr old recently hit her tooth (front) so badly it went wobbly, then black... I was super-worried. I took her to my dentist's practice and was seen by someone for free who explained that it would 95% chance go white again - it is slowly doing so. They are thorough, great with kids and I trust them. But they are certainly not the cheapest. I wish you all the best - the teeth do drop out relatively soon, so don't worry too much! Don't worry - this is very common as the high level of dentine in kid's teeth make them more fragile than adult teeth. Take her to Dr Madhu in Karama (highly recommended on here) & they will just build up the tooth with some filler. Easy to fix. My DS has done it twice - top & bottom!
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 12:19
I used Riot Art afew years ago and was really disappointed with them.
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 12:18
I've always found the grass fed beef at Spinney's excellent. Often we're prepared to pay a premium for organic but should cows really be eating corn! On the other hand, I wouldn't buy Spinney's branded chicken - eugh!
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 12:11
Ikea will do made to measure within a couple of days.
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 01:04
Euwh!
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 09:06
I think this thread might be a bit misleading for the OP. I have a wide circle of friends & acquaintances & they all go out without their children, frequently! The options are:- Agency babysitter Use your own maid Friend/friends teenager Maid sponsored by another family (not legal)
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 09:30
Deeply underwhelming.
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 00:56
Isn't this less to do with the supermarket and more to do with what you're buying? I think we spend around 1000 aed per week for a family of 4 but I consider myself a cost conscious shopper. I don't put things in the trolley without thinking about the price but things like salmon fillets, fresh berries & organic milk, are pretty expensive everywhere. I try to avoid expensive imported items but I'm prepared to pay extra for yoghurt, for instance, as I worry about local dairy production. These would be expensive in any supermarket. There are big price differences in some cases but when you factor in the time, energy & inconvenience of shopping in multiple stores I don't really think it's worth it. Not to mention the fact that you can never guarantee which items will actually be available anyway!
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 01:28
The Emirates Twin Towers (376m) is the second tallest hotel in the world, bigger than the Rose Rayhaan (333m) and the Burj Al Arab (321m). The tallest is Abraj Al Bait in Saudi. Hottest temp ever recorded? A bit contentious but 47.5 seems to be the consensus. Death Valley in California has the record.
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 01:14
Lego is considerably more here. The Batcave, for instance, is selling on Amazon UK for around £50 but here is it equivalent to over £100!
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Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 00:59
Why would you allow that? I get that you were nervous but seriously you should just get out of the cab next time OR call RTA in front of him and complain. There's no way he'd do anything dodgy if you're on the phone to his company reporting him. What he did was totally inappropriate and you should report him. That's what I was thinking - why would you allow this? Immediately you felt he'd crossed the line you should have spoken up - he will think that he can get away with this behaviour. Especially that you weren't traveling alone, there were other ladies in the car. Ditto, now he is going to hit on some poor girl out alone, because you let him think it is ok and that some girls are 'easy'. You don't sit in the front of the taxi, there was room for 3 in the back, and you don't respond when they talk to you. Just say nothing. Why is that so hard? It is teasing. You do not need to say 'dunno' or ask him why he is asking how long you have been married.....any response means he has your attention, and quite frankly he did not are about your answer, he just cared that you answered him, his mind was between his pants and nowhere in between. A little harsh and perhaps slightly over the top remarks IMO I hardly think the OP's reaction is going to suddenly change the taxi driver's intentions in the future....his intentions were clear and you can bet he realised she was new to Dubai and was clearly taking advantage. Totally agree ouat, next thing we'll be hearing the OP encouraged him or was inappropriately dressed. It WASN"T HER FAULT!! I'm not saying it's her fault it happened and in NO WAY did I or would I ever imply that the clothes women wear make them either deserving or otherwise of harrassment. [b'>Well then perhaps you ought to choose your words more carefully. You made the OP responsible for a fictional future attack, said she had made the taxi driver believe that girls were easy & accused her of teasing him. Outrageous![/b'> What I'm saying is that, even though it feels safe here, we as (strong) women should take responsibility of our safety and demand respect! If a man behaves in an inappropriate manner towards me be it verbally or physically, I know that no white knight is going to ride up and save me. I have to look after myself as we all do. The OP is new here and so fair enough, she didn't know what to do, but seriously I hear of so many women here who get into trouble and it's often because they're scared to stand up for themselves. You have every right to do so, within the law obviously <em>edited by BrownEyedGirl on 01/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 21:57
DS is allergic to listening to me. One strategy that seems to work is that I threaten to double whatever it is he doesn't want to do. It started when he was about 2 or 3 and wouldnt put his pyjamas on - I jokingly told him if he didnt put them on now I would make him put on TWO pairs of pyjamas. He took me seriously and apparently thought that was a severe punishment indeed - he got dressed then and there. After that I've used it for many things - a second serve of veggies if he doesnt eat the first right now; being put back to bed for a second sleep when he wakes up in the morning if he doesnt sleep now; telling him I'll mess his room up after he tidies it and he will have to tidy it a second time unless done immediately. Works every time and gives me a giggle while I'm at it :) edited by Plain-Jane on 19/05/2012 RALMAO! :)
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 14:06
Mini monsters is at the Times Square exit on SZR & should cost no more than 60 AED round trip. If you fancy a lower cost play zone then the one at Times Square itself is very reasonable. Having said that MM do some deals - check out the website.
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 22:35
Yes, there are 3 terms per year at Children's Oasis. They have locations all around the Um Suqueim area. It's lovely.
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 21:18
Children's Oasis, which is well regarded, costs around 7000 AED for 3 mornings per week.
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Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 22:13
The little kiosk at Meadows TC sells them.
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Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 22:05
Melissa & Doug produce puzzles like this. They are for sale in Borders & Toys r us.
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Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 21:42
I would like to know too please. :-)
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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 00:55
Baby splash classes. There have been some interesting studies lately that show the particular benefits of swimming as an early years stimulation activity.
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Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 19:47
Dukan Falafel will do platters of mini pittas at short notice. They're very good!
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Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 13:27
We looked into this option quite seriously. The problem is that the monthly cost only allows for a very small salary for the girls, around 800. They get past the minimum wage requirements by having cleaner instead of housemaid on the visa, I believe. They didn't provide flights home each year, or even adequate holidays for the girls either. By the time you subsidise the salary you may as well do the process yourself really.
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Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 00:31
Cold french toast soldiers.
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Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 23:55
I've just seen the first episode of Awake - it's original & compelling!
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 15:11
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 13:20
You have some recommendations for swim teachers already so I thought I'd just post some tips for encouraging water confidence without armbands: - Let her paddle about in the shallow pool & re orient herself if she stumbles & goes under. This will give her a good understanding of the physics of water and she can learn balance & movement independently. Recovering sinkers in shallow is a good game. Consider a noodle as the next step in flotation - she will probably use this in lessons anyway. Googles are useful too & help some children who are reluctant to submge. Help her with some exercises at home (if necessary). Lying in the bath while you fill up the tub & pouring water over her head when shampooing for instance. Let her know first (cuing) & start with a small trickle at the back of her head and build up gradually to pouring a larger amount right over her face. You'll notice quite quickly that she develops a readiness by closing her eyes and holding her breath. Wear a t-shirt in the pool so she can grab you easily and work on breathing exercises & submerging. Holding your breath by making a monkey face & blowing bubbles on the surface with a straw are fun. HTH.
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Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 23:06
My DS reception class at JAPS currently has 22 children.
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Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 13:20
Jebus!!
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Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 01:02
Just let her be :-) It sounds like you're doing a great job. If I were you I'd ignore the Doctors advice, bin the formula & carry on breast feeding. Maybe she'd like some finger foods though - buttered toast, rice crackers, big chunks of soft fruit & steamed veg etc. <em>edited by BrownEyedGirl on 26/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 00:52
Since I have never tried out Tim Hortons, I would like some advice from you guys. I usually like sweet stuff like chocolates and all. So can anyone recommend me what to have there? Like, what is a must have item and what is their exact price? Thanks! :) Seriously?!
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 00:54
So sorry to read your post. DD was a fussy baby. She would often cry for hours every night and never liked to be put down for naps. I never really figured out the reason why. Just her personality I guess. Perhaps try not to worry about a routine for him at the moment, just do whatever he needs. Have you tried wearing a sling around the house so that you can get on with some things while he has a nap? What about lying down with him and having a snooze together? DD was often settled by a walk around the lake, at night too. She didn't like to be confined but lots of babies like to be swaddled. You must feel very tired and emotional but things will get better. Must be hard to see the bigger picture at the moment but some joyous moments of motherhood are just around the corner. xx
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Latest post on 18 February 2012 - 23:52
I bought a nice lemon flavoured oil at the chemist at the small Spinney's. It's really highly refined so it doesn't taste of fish at all. ****** expensive though!
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 18:35
They sound reasonable, though whether or not you can live here well will depend on his basic salary too as you will probably need to subsidise. We live in a 3 bed villa in a nice family area (the springs) & pay 120,000 aed in 6 cheques. School fees for my DS are 33,300 per annum, payable in 3 termly installments. It is a good, well regarded British curriculum school (Jebel Ali Primary). HTH.
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Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 01:43
I really rate Little Gym.
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 10:56
I'm in Springs 3 too. Scary stuff! Glad you're ok. X
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 10:22
I feel for you. We eventually had to rehome our dog (fortunately with my long suffering parents) as she was very unpredictable. Do lots of reading and don't feel you need to make a decision to soon. It's very easy to keep baby & dog separate but far more challenging to manage the situation when LO becomes mobile. I hope things work out, you sound like a very committed pet owner.
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 10:15
The Dukan diet. ****** revolting but highly effective.
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 10:14
Don't be tempted to see the Grand Canyon by helicopter!!! Have a great time, fab place! :-)
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Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 09:47
There is an utter fixation on weight gain for both Mother & baby during pregnancy here?! As you say it's very difficult to accurately estimate the size of a baby in utero & on this basis your Doctor may be unnecessarily recommending a c-section. Many women give birth to large babies in any event. If you are really determined to have a VBAC then you must change Doctor. Personally I would not be considering one unless my labour was allowed to commence naturally. Good luck. X
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 23:22
I could take one off your hands.
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 21:43
Lagiflex (sp) at night & diplofenic (sp?) in the morning if it gets really bad.
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 00:16
Sorry for the late reply DubaiCat. Yes, it's the 295 ticket. I can throw in home delivery if you like :-))
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:08
Are they still for sale? I'm asking as I can't use mine so it's up for grabs if anyone is interested.
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Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 14:53
Love the rules for taxi drivers - am crying with laughter - thanks!! :-))