Catawba KSE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Catawba KSE

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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 17:44
Here is the recipe for chocolate pecan bars. They are fantastic: http://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/view?recipeID=109 It calls for Mexican chocolate which I assume is not available here. I don't even know what it is but am sure you can just use regular cooking chocolate. I used an Ecuadorian chocolate from Lindt that I found at Spinneys. The pretzel crust is great --you can't tell it is pretzel but it adds perfect saltiness to the dessert which is VERY rich. Pecan pies are a staple in the US for Thanksgiving. There are loads of variations on the web but this is an old fashioned traditional pecan pie recipe from my grandmother: Pie crust pastry 3 eggs 2/3 cup sugar 1/3 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 cup dark corn syrup 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line pie dish with pastry crust. Beat eggs, sugar, salt, butter and dark corn syrup together. Mix in pecans with a spoon. Bake 40-50 minutes until set. Cool throughly before serving. Sorry about the US measurements - you can convert online. I have a set of measuring cups to give away if anyone wants them! If you don't want to make your own pie pastry, Carrefour has pastry already made in the chilled section so all you have to do is put it in your pie plate and trim the edges. You can find dark corn syrup at Spinneys in the baking aisle - the widely available brand is called Karo. If the edge of the pie crust starts to get too dark as you are baking it you can cover just the edge of it with aluminium foil -- leave the middle uncovered to continue baking. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 24/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:34
We have 5 bed house as well but I guess more importantly they quoted on 7 units/areas to clean. It took all day. Can't remember if they came at 8:30 or 9:00 but were then here until 5pm. It was worth it in my opinion. Kids have completely stopped coughing since it has been cleaned.
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 20:50
Will dig recipes up tomorrow and post them. Pecans are great!
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 20:12
If u dont mind, May I ask, what other recipes/dishes do you use Pecans in, other than these? Besides recipes calling for pecans, I always substitute pecans for recipes calling for walnuts as I prefer them. They are expensive but I don't use them so often and am just happy that at least recently you can find them here (my mom used to bring them from the US). Re: recipes using them..... a few I can think of off the top of my head: -- a fantastic main course chicken salad that we love -- several coffee cake recipes -- sweet and spicy nuts I do for parties that are great with drinks -- cookies calling for nuts -- lots of desserts with crumble topping -- LOVE pecan pie like you mentioned -- made a chocolate pecan bar the other day that was great (my 4 year old said it was the best thing I'd ever made) I'm sure I'm missing loads of others. I know they are expensive but they are very much a memory of recipes of my childhood so I can't help but pass them on to my family now....!
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 19:15
We used them recently and were very happy with service. Not sure why they'd say the dogs HAD to leave.....I have a baby and chose to leave for the day because of the dust and the noise......but when I asked if I had to they said they advised it but was only necessary for the last half hour when they 'fog' the place. Our maid stayed the whole day just moving wherever they weren't. If they allow people to stay surely no problem with animals. Perhaps they are worried about animal reaction to noise if there aren't people staying to look after them as well?
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 19:07
I bought loads at Lulu Al Barsha a week ago and also saw them at same time at Spinneys Motor City (Lulu cheaper). They seem to be more available these days then they were a year or two ago but I still buy extra when I see them as they freeze well.
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 16:30
My dad brought two of these over in his suitcase last summer and the result was fantastic. http://mistcooling.com/poolcooler.htm I wouldn't even swim in the pool as the water was too hot in the summer. When these were installed it reduced the temp considerably and while the pool was not 'chilled' it was a comfortable temperature.
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 16:03
I didn't get a proper quote but asked our pool guy in passing and he said about 35k! Much more expensive than a heater apparently.
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 20:12
Two people have said so eloquently exactly what I would have liked to: [b'>RuthM:[/b'> 'And frankly if you did believe in such 'karma' or 'previous lives' etc. it would be more logical to think that people with disabilities are actually people who have surpassed all others in soul and spirit and have been given an even greater challenge to tackle than the rest of us, one that we are not able to cope with. Because most beliefs are in overcoming greater and greater challenges not in punishment for past sins.' [b'>SuzyDuzy:[/b'> 'Before all of this prams and Mum's in wheelchairs, I too was probably ignorant - so you need to speak up and tell us imbeciles how difficult it is so we can pay attention to the next one that crosses our paths....' Anyone looking at you with other than admiration for being out there and doing something that takes more strength and determination than the rest of us isn't worth the thought. Any looks other than empathy are based on ignorance and deserve to be ignored. Glad you feel better being out and about!
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 17:32
Have just done both for 7 yr, 4yr and 6 month old..... No prints for ID card. No blood tests required for visa renewal.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 20:19
Maybe? but what a weird thing to do. I'm just a bit freaked out because it is so random and with no rational reason to do such a thing....If you are a vandal, so many more impressive statements you could make?
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 19:27
Dragon Mart has a huge selection for very little cost.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 15:51
I think she's looking for one in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai...
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 13:35
Yes, I bought some at a florist in Dragon Mart.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 19:44
Maybe it has changed recently but we have definitely flown Dubai/Gatwick.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 16:54
If I were on my own I wouldn't really lose sleep over which one but with kids, I would definitely fly Virgin. I've found them to have better entertainment, 'goody bags,' and kids' meals and whilst crew on either can be good or bad I've found Virgin staff in general to be more accommdating with kids. Also, if there isn't a significant price difference, I would ALWAYS choose Virgin and fly into Gatwick instead of Heathrow. I personally can't stand flying through Heathrow and with Heathrow immigration queues currently in the headlines, I'd avoid it if I could. Not to mention we are approaching holiday time when BA staff seem to go on strike....:(
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 16:41
Annl, I have a set of cups if you would like them. I love to cook so someone at one time gave me a 'cool' set which collapse saving lots of space.....but already having two sets of my own I don't use them. You are more than welcome to them.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 16:28
If it is a fluid, then there are 8 fluid ounces in an American cup. If it is anything else afraid it really isn't possible to give a standard answer as a cup is a volume, not weight. The weight of one cup of anything is dependent on what that 'something' is eg one cup of oats does not weigh the same as one cup of dried beans or sugar. Probably need to invest in a set of measuring cups unfortunately! <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 16/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 09:55
Pottery Barn Kids
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 18:31
The only place I have ever found it is in Lulu Al Barsha.....it is in the aisle just before the deli marked something like 'US/UK imports.' if you are facing the back of Lulu it is at the end of that aisle on the left hand side. I have found it there almost every time I have gone so hopefully they will have it. I still buy loads and freeze it each time just in case of the typical Dubai 'now you've seen it, now it's gone.' <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 15/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 19:59
Your DH is a wise man...... Have a drink, and enjoy your weekend. I know you are both right but still.....what's so wrong about expecting common decency? And by letting it go doesn't that just mean he'll do it next time? <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 10/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 20:58
I agree with saying something but surely it was the father was responsible for his child? I agree one hundred percent with everyone saying I should have said something to the father....but I froze and by then they had both disappeared and it was only 10 minutes later when the maid re-appeared that I said something. I know father is culpable but surely maid should know better as well? Someone said she didn't understand what I was saying....I can tell you 100% sure she knew exactly what I was saying and hoped not to seem so.... MonkeyFace: Too long-winded for you? Let's break it down..... Kid pees on floor...Dad and maid ignore it. Peopld walk through it. Dad runs but I collect myself and manage to confront maid who understands english VERY well. So I did what wrong? edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2012 edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2012 <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 17:24
Hi, I have recently shifted from S26 Gold to Promil Gold, the second stage for 6 - 12 months. I just wanted to ask if it was normal that it is flavoured vanilla. Are other formula brands the same? Are there better formulas that I should consider for my 6 month? Thanks :) I cannot for the life of my understand why they flavour it vanilla. SO silly. I used S26 Gold but refused to move onto the Promil Gold because of the vanilla flavouring. I was going to continue with S26 until 12 months but my paeditrician recommended moving to follow-on milk as it will be more suited to weaning diet (having said that, she said having compared ingredients it wasn't a huge difference so not switching wouldn't be detrimental). When I first moved here from the UK I was using SMA Gold for our newborn. A friend told me it is exactly the same as S26 Gold -- same manufacturer just different name in different locations. I researched and tHey are both manufactured by Pfizer (link below). So when it was time to move to Promil Gold and I noticed the artificial flavouring I moved onto SMA Follow-on Milk instead which does not have the flavouring. It is not cheap - about Dhs30 more per large cannister but I figure it is only until 12 months. http://www.pfizer.com/nutrition/products.jsp <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 01/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 19:26
Re Maria Bonita tortillas ...I've always just gone and bought some but of course if you're after a huge quantity, perhaps it will help if you gave them a call and pre ordered. They sell corn taco chips by the bag. Re Mexican chocolate, I saw some months ago in Gallerie LaFayette Gourmet (top floor) and more recently in the gourmet shop on Beach Road...( can't remember the name of the "pinkish" shopping mall but I think Dome Cafe is located there too) HTH Thank you very much....that is a big help.
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 18:37
I'm preparing for a Cinco de Mayo dinner this weekend and need some help with ingredients: -- I've previously read you can get corn tortillas from Maria Bonitas. Do you need to order these in advance or can you just show up and buy them? -- Anyone seen the thick 'authentic' style tortilla chips anywhere lately? -- I want to make a shrimp/prawn ceviche so need absolutely fresh prawns....where is the best place to buy really fresh prawns (without having to go to old town if I don't have time)? -- I need Mexican chocolate for a dessert which calls for bittersweet chocolate as well. I'm assuming Mexican chocolate imparts some flavour normal chocolate does not. Anyone know what that might be so I can substitue for the flavour? Happy Cinco de Mayo! And if anyone else is planning a party.....Home Centre MOE has margarita glasses on sale for Dhs7 each and Lulu has fresh Serrano and Habaneros!
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 20:02
Really enjoyed 'The Memory of Love' by Aminatta Forna. From page one you know there is a great tragedy/betrayal to come but she keeps you guessing until the end. Besides being a great read I learned about Sierra Leone - a civil war I never knew about. I gave it to my mom last week and she has read it non stop and also really enjoyed it.
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Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 20:44
Gives me hope people will take each other for what they are rather than what they are not.
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 23:27
Catawba, I have some extra Lawrey's salt myself. I bought two big bottles as well a couple of years ago and just love the stuff on chicken. I'm willing to share a bit. Ohh, thanks Norak. Have never tried on chicken. Now that it is in my head don't think I should deprive my children of having it on a cheap minute steak! If you are not too far away from me I just might take you up on your offer!
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 23:13
Mine are older now...but it only seems like yesterday, I couldn't imagine not coming home to my older two....they were excited, we were excited - all good! I'm with you.....they were so excited to see their new brother and I couldn't wait to get home to them. I had my mom staying for the week when we got home which was the best of both worlds....kids home with us but lots of attention from Gran when my attention was on the baby or I needed sleep.
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 16:57
I can't seem to find Onion powder in this country and have no idea why. Me too SunDevil. My mom is coming this week and bringing a load of stuff like this I can't find. Do you want me to have her bring some (she brought me some her last trip)? That would be wonderful, thank you! One bottle of onion powder will hold me over until I get home this summer. My sister brought me two giant bottles of Lawry's seasoned salt this Christmas and I didn't even think about the onion powder. Oh man, I haven't had Lawry's since my mom used to put it on minute steak when we were young...brings back memories! I will email and ask her to bring a few onion powders and drop off to you.
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 14:53
I can't seem to find Onion powder in this country and have no idea why. Me too SunDevil. My mom is coming this week and bringing a load of stuff like this I can't find. Do you want me to have her bring some (she brought me some her last trip)?
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Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 10:21
Yes, I have always had to prebook on every airline I've taken. As someone said, after you buy the tickets you usually call Customer Service for the airline and have seats allocated that can accommodate a bassinet. I have never had to pay extra for one.
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 19:45
Where in MC is Ted Morgan? Thanks.. If you are coming from AR, go straight past Spinneys, through the light, past the building on the left with Building Blocks nursery and just before the next light it is in the big building on the right. You turn right at that light and then the next right to get to parking lot at the back of the building. Ted Morgan is at the opposite side of the building from parking lot so you walk all the way around.
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 16:58
Hi not sure where Angela hag gone but i go to Gina in the motorcity branch and she is fantastic hope this helps :) Thank you. I had heard that she is good but she is on holiday and I desparately need a cut this week. I will try her next time though, thanks.
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Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 18:44
Here is a link from a week or so ago on this topic. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=175336 I highly recommend Sani Service. Rotetho, their link is: http://www.saniservice.ae/ Coco Pops, ask to have a REAL a/c expert check out your a/cs, not just the maintenance company. We have been having our a/c units cleaned twice a year by a reputable maintenance company but they were FULL of mold -- I mean actual mushrooms growing in our units! I feel a bit duped really.....I have never had central a/c until I moved to Dubai so didn't really know that when these guys say they are cleaning the a/c they are doing the bare minimum which is ok for a bit but after awhile in the dust and humidity of Dubai is completely inadequate. All the maintenance companies do is clean the filters and wipe out the vents. They do not open up the a/c unit and check for mold etc and even if they did and found it, they are unlikely to be able to deal with it properly. Our maintenance company told us Sani Service were the only ones in Dubai to really deal with mold problems. They take out every filter and remove every vent to clean (not just wipe them in situ). They remove the evaporator piece of the a/c which is where condensation collects and so most likely to grow mold and clean it. They have a huge vacuum which sucks dust out of all the ducts in your ceiling. They even cleaned our ceiling tiles. Then, they vacuum and mop everything and once all clean, put a 'fog' through your entire house which kills any remaining mold spores. It is non toxic which was important to us with 3 young kids -- no one in the house when they fog it but you can be back in after 1/2 hour. Sani Service were clean, professional, on time, etc. I sound like their marketing rep but before they came I had a 4 year old who coughed everytime the a/c was on and a baby with respiratory problems. Since they came only a week ago the 4 year old has not coughed once with the a/c on and the baby is better. I feel like crying to think his problems could be because we didn't know our a/c was filthy. They are not cheap by any stretch and not everybody's a/c will be in the state ours was but if you have a real problem, I don't think there are many that can deal with it and it is compromising our health so worth it in my opinion.
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Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 10:11
. SunDevil, go have a recce then come back and let us know routes you find to Spinneys in preparation ;) Yes except my minivan doesn't exactly have the clearance needed to navigate that back road that was previously dirt. LOL I'm hoping it's paved now. Sue62, if you go in the Studio City r/a and keep going past the r/a that takes you into the Polo Club you can go right and go to that stop light that is on the main drag through Motor City. It's the light right there at the corner of Spinneys and the Autodrome. BUT it wasn't paved all the way through and you had to do some pretty good off roading to get between the two paved parts. That's the back road I'm talking about and wondering if it's paved now. It would have been nice if the letter had included a map of exactly what will be closed. No, it is still unpaved the back way to Spinneys and the ruts just keep getting bigger. It is going to be an absolute mess with the Motor City entrance/exit closed. There are already long lines in the mornings to get out with both entrances open let alone when it goes down to three roads merging into a single lane exit at Studio City roundabout. I predict a rise in offroaders.
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 19:52
Because I say so! OH, YES! I hate it and yet I even forgot I now say it!
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 19:50
Oh no! See my reply is too late....my computer must not have been refreshed and I thought you were still looking. Hope your purchase keeps you happy and active!
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 19:47
Sumi, if you are still looking for a Polar.....I have a Polar I would be willing to sell for well within your budget (eg alot less than Dhs 500). If you are interested, post your email and I will send all the details. Short description: I bought it 3 years ago to train to run the RAK half marathon. It was only used for the 5 months I trained so it is in great shape. It did the trick perfectly for me. I have the watch, foot pod and heart rate monitor. The HRM has never been used.....I was more interested in my distance and time so never used the HRM. Price back then was about Dhs960 (don't know exact price as I got 15 or 20% discount as part of half marathon programme) but I still have receipt for discounted price of Dhs 800. It did everything I needed it to do and more. If you want to look it up on line it was model RS200sd. I have the manual to go with it. If money were no object then I would honestly say I would go for a Garmin rather than Polar as the GPS in the Garmin is fantastic. However, when budget is of concern the Polar is great. I upgraded from the Polar to a Garmin because I wanted GPS and to be able to use it for biking as well as running. I LOVE my Garmin but even buying it in the US where they are less expensive it is still two to three times Dhs500 budget. In general I think Polar does everything most people need. Anyway, I'm a fan of both....just different budgets. If you are interested in the Polar, let me know. Post your email and I can send any details you need. All I can say is I never ran in my life and the Polar got me through a mid-life crisis successful half marathon at age 40!
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 19:29
"Life isn't fair." My mom always said that to me and I thought it was the lamest excuse ever.......and now I've said it:(
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 14:43
We used a place called Zain Car Care. Like you we have two young kids and were going to sell our car but the interior was a mess from spills, pen marks, etc.....they did a brilliant job. They will pick the car up and return it to you. We were so pleased we did our second car and are going to do it every six months or so from now on. http://zaincarcare.webs.com/
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 19:04
I was at Just Kidding on SZR near Safa Park the other day and they had very nice toddler sunglasses. Not cheap -- but great if quality is what you are looking for.
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Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 13:33
OMG! All six units in our house are infested with mold. So disgusting. I have them cleaned twice a year but as someone mentioned most maintenance companies only clean the filters and vents...they don't really get into the unit and clean it properly. I'm disgusted the whole family has been breathing this air! Anyway, Sani Service guys were great. Came bang on time. Spent an hour looking at every unit, taking pictures and showing me the extent of the mould. Very professional. We're going to have them disinfect the whole house and going forward will use them to do the regular cleaning rather than any old maintenance company. I have two kids that cough all the time when the a/c is on and now I know why! Worth the extra they charge to make sure it is done properly.
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Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 10:59
I have a company coming in 5 minutes to check all my a/c units and ducts for mould. Company is called Sani Service (04 341 5592) and were recommended to me by Jim Will Fix It as specialising in removing mould. They are doing a free inspection and then will provide report/quotation. I'll update this post once they've been here and let you know how it goes.
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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:10
SS - its set on 180! Old potato's...? My potatoes are normally a few days old, but i keep them in the fridge - could this make a difference? Catawba - will try that trip! Maybe i am not par boiling them enough? How soft do you par boil yours? Almost breaking or still firm? I parboil for about 8 minutes so def not almost breaking. I rough them up and toss them with olive oil and salt then roast them for about 45 minutes at 190 degrees and then turn it up hot (like 220 degrees) for 10/15 minutes more at the end. I think the roughing up is the key!
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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 14:57
After parboiling, rough them up a bit in the colandar when you drain them. Rough edges help them crisp.
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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 14:41
I found mine at Mothercare MCC
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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 19:06
Daiso has kids version which would still work for an adult. They may actually have adult version but I've always bought for kids so didn't notice if adult as well. It is a Japanese store so always have them and for great price (everything is 7 Dhs). Often have different versions so a bit of choice. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 07/03/2012</em>
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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 17:35
Cibacibute, it is awful to see our children hurt. But having her hit back helps nothing. You are teaching her the right thing by telling her not to hit. She is not going to understand self defense and in all honesty, a toddler hitting back at someone that hit them with a swing in the play ground isn't really self defence' as they are not in real danger to have to protect themselves. Yes, they are on the receiving end of something that may hurt but the best thing is for them to learn to walk away from it and tell an adult. They aren't equipped to handle it at this age. You need to be her champion and example when she is young. When she is much older and able to understand you can discuss the need for self defense in extreme situations. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 07/03/2012</em>
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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 17:18
What i get to realise that our homeschool theory of "no hitting" is dificult to practise in the imperfect world, and i will have to change it, and i feel sad about it. Actually, it isn't difficult to practice! Why would you want to teach your young child (or a child of any age for that matter) to hit another child? I don't EVER want my children to hit anyone or think it is acceptable behaviour. You don't like that other children hit yours, but feel the need to teach her it is ok for her to hit back? Tell her it is not ok to be the first one to hit but it is ok to hit if you've been hit? Why, for revenge? Your child is only a toddler...she's not going to distinguish between the 'right' time to hit someone and the 'wrong' time. If you tell her it is ok to hit in self defence she only learns it is ok to hit. The best thing you can do is teach your child to treat others as she wants to be treated. Don't stoop to the level of the children (or parents/child minders) you are so frustrated by now. As Kiwispiers says......toddlers unfortunately hit, bite etc. They haven't learned to control their behaviour yet; be glad if your child can! And if they are older children, its probably because no one told them not to do it when they are young! By all means tell the offending children off. I tell other kids off all the time for pushing, throwing sand, cutting in line/not taking turns etc. You have been teaching your child the right thing by taking a no hitting stance. Please don't change it. Think about what would happen if we all did that?!