Catawba KSE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Catawba KSE

Catawba KSE
393
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 20:17
Yes, I noticed this today! I watch alot of cooking shows and have never heard it censored before.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 19:43
The reason our bill is less than Catawba's is, I suspect, because there are only two people -- DH and I -- in our villa [no kids'>. Yes, that and the fact that I am freakishly hot and keep the a/c on in the bedroom year round. Figure I gave does not include housing fee.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 15:21
Our bill probably averages around 2.5k per month over the year (highs about 3k in the summer) for 5 bed plus pool. We do not have a heater or a chiller so this is just for the excess water to top the pool up twice a week and running the pump. Our pool maintenance is the same as WaxMuch - 400 per month for twice weekly cleaning.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:22
LuLu in Al Barsha has their Easter candy in. I know because I bought a bag the other day stocking up in advance and have eaten it already!
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:20
There is a draft academic calendar on the website (still subject to KDHA approval). Term ends on 15 Dec with school starting again on 8 Jan. http://www.jess.sch.ae/Introducingjess/Calendarandtimings/schoolcalendar201112.aspx
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:22
They have a good selection at Book Worm by Park and Shop. I spent ages trying to decide which one to get my 6 year old and ended up buying a selection for gifts.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:27
How strange to text at all. Given the alleged events, wouldn't you be in there face to face to discuss how best to ease DD back into school environment and ensure future well being? I can't imagine handling this situation by text (actually, I can't imagine any situation where I'd be texting a school principal).
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:42
We went into Oman via Dibba last week. Didn't check passports when we went in but they did check one or two out of seven when we returned to the UAE.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 14:49
When we first moved here our 4 month old got very sick over the weekend. We had no idea where to take her. We ended up at Al Wasl Hospital. After the fact, our pediatrician told us this is the best place to take kids out of hours in an emergency as they are the only hospital to have pediatricians on-site at all times (he said other hospitals have them on-call, but not on-site). We unfortunately ended up there again 2 weeks ago. Both times they saw and treated us immediately and we walked out without signing or paying a thing. It is about a 20 minute drive from Ranches.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 17:29
Thanks
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 16:13
Has anyone been? Is it any good? Thanks in advance.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 19:26
They have loads at the DVD shop in Spinneys Um Sequiem shopping centre - at the Starbucks end.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 11:50
In my opinion, the Cove Rotana isn't comparable to the Hilton Resort or the Banyan Tree - they are different price brackets and it shows. We have stayed at the Cove and really enjoyed our time there but it was not nearly as nice as the Hilton. If it is in your budget, Hilton is great for families. Have not been to the Banyan Tree but it didn't look quite so child friendly when we researched it (looked great for couples).
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:39
Very straight forward. We had ours installed by Jim Will Fix It. We were told same as what Floss SJ said, you can only use one switch with dimmer so if more than one for same light must decide on one and disable the other.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 20:57
I think I'd book it and then play it by ear once I got there depending on how knowledgable they seem to be. I had one last week at the Rotana Fujuirah. I had to sign a waiver but apparently anyone pregnant does. The waiver said they only do them during 2nd and 3rd trimester. They gave me an info sheet on the oils they were using being safe during pregnancy, answered my questions and generally seemed very informed about massage and pregnancy so I felt comfortable. It was described as a head, neck, shoulder massage but included quick massage of arms and legs and was incredibly relaxing. Take what you can get before you don't have the time to relax!
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 19:11
Was going to do surf and turf (lobster and steak) and ceasar salad which is our traditional stay at home VD dinner. But I'm pregnant and don't think I'm up to the mess and smell of cooking whole live lobster so now think we're going to have a champagne shrimp pasta instead.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 21:54
It is no problem. We did it recently for my daughter. Not really a visa since UK part of visa waiver programme but an authorisation to travel. It is called an ESTA. If you search you will find US govt site to apply on-line. We got confirmation immediately when we applied although it can take a day or two to come through. Very easy as velcroqueen has said.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 08:58
I went up half a shoe size after my first baby and have never gone back. I was buying shoes the other day and made some comment to the saleswoman about my feet being smaller before I was pregnant. She looked me up and down and said 'Yes, maybe the rest of you was smaller as well?' I would have loved to have told her she was wrong but I'd have been lying!
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 11:36
I never have good results with the pre-shredded stuff. In most cases I find it doesn't melt at all so you're lucky if yours even melted! I suspect the pre-shredded stuff is more processed/has more preservatives so doesn't behave as expected (ever put a Kraft singles slice in the micro? - it disintegrates in like 20 seconds). I always buy a block of mozzarella or provolone at the deli counter and have them shred it or shred it myself. Less expensive as well.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 09:27
is this Lisa Welchel? Blair from "Facts of Life"? She's an advocate of 'hot saucing' although don't know if she's the 'inspiration' for the parents that are in the headlines now.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 09:04
Is this the Dr Phil one? Horrific. I cried when the poor kid was in the shower.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 09:32
I just rang UPS Dubai - they say they will ship packages to the US. KCQ - I don't understand as you've said no packages from ME are allowed but then said you sent via Fedex? So is it a case of parcels via commercial planes being banned and not via private carriers? This is why I mentioned it might be the UAE postal service implementing US restrictions but not a blanket ban on all packages to the US (as I'm assuming that packages sent via UAE postal service would go via commercial flights not private cargo).
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 08:45
Honestly, I don't think this is the case. I have searched the entire web and cannot find mention of this (I looked at major international parcel delivery service websites like UPS, DHL, ParcelForce etc all of whom have an up to date 'news' section with no mention). The only thing I found was a ban several months ago BY JAPAN to send packages to the US - so it was not a case of the US not accepting them but Japan not allowing them to be sent due to security reasons. Maybe the UAE postal service has done something similar (although again, I cannot see any reference to this and if you go to UPS UAE site no mention so maybe just the local postal service?)? Perhaps it was a restriction on what you were sending? They certainly have tightened security measures, banned packages from Yemen and Somalia (as have other countries), and restricted certain items on passenger planes but if they had banned all inbound packages it would be all over the news. edited by Catawba KSE on 27/01/2011 <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 27/01/2011</em>
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 08:11
Are you selling any babygirl clothes Kylie? I am really hoping to find some sweet girl clothes from 9+months. Or are there any other mums out there having a clear out who have secondhand girl clothes from 9 months to sell or giveaway? KT, if you don't find what you need at Kylie's sale I have a load of girls clothes (and shoes) I am selling - some have never been worn. If you are interested, leave your e-mail and age you are looking for and I can send you a list of what I have (I've sorted 0-6 months and 6-12 months and am now starting on 12+).
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 15:23
I'm actually not encouraging his potty training right now. He's quite obsessed with the idea himself after he was given the book 'everybody poos'. I'll just try to ease it out of his mind for now. Secretly though, I am pleased that he's showing initiative, just wish he'd do it when we weren't about to shift our whole lives over to Dubai. I'm going to be different and say I'd continue to encourage it. He's showing initiative and that he is ready - that's more than half the battle. I certainly wouldn't want to discourage my child if he/she were ready. My daughter was like your son and asked all on her own one day to use the toilet. This was just before traveling to the US for the summer. When we flew we still encouraged her to use the bathroom but put a nappy on her in case there wasn't one available or she fell asleep on the plane. Being in a different country didn't disrupt her routine at all as far as potty training. It is so hard to find the right time to potty train an individual child that when they are showing signs they are ready I wouldn't want to discourage them. When is the perfect time really? So the question is do you do it when it is convenient for you or for him? Seems to me he's telling you now is the time.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 09:10
What I find a shame, is when people don't work, have a maid to 'spend more time with the kids' but (where we live anyway) there are very few mums who are with their kids in the park etc. Agree totally that it is a shame when parents don't spend valuable time with their kids but sending them to the park with the maid doesn't mean this is the case. I send my kids to the park with the maid and it is one of the most productive hours I have! I am with my kids every bit of the day when they are not at school - cook for them, do homework, attend activities etc. But for one hour every day just before dinner they go to the park with the maid and I get an hour without interruption to make their dinner, start on dinner for me and my husband and get things ready for school the next day. I think it is win/win - they get to go to the park rather than sit around while I cook dinner and I get to cook dinner without them hanging on my legs!
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 08:02
I was there this week and saw several shops with costumes. Afraid I cannot tell you exactly where but can tell you approximately. I always drive around the back (opposite side of Hatta Rd) and park at entrance GB (it is about the second Parking entrance off the road I think - it either says Textiles or Clothes over it). When you go in that door the clothes are mostly to your right. If you walk to the main corridor, a ways down on the left side there was a shop with colorful wigs in the window - they had costumes. There was another that was almost entirely costumes but it was down one of the many small corridors on the right so can't say exactly where. I think if you wander around that section you will have luck.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 15:12
I always mashed banana in it with formula early on and later milk.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 10:58
So you think there will be a PB for kids in the Dubai Mall in time for the shopping festival, but not a Pottery Barn itself? Oh, well, better force myself to drive in my new-to-me car to MCC some time next week. What a chore :) I believe it is Pottery Barn that has opened at Dubai Mall, not PB Kids. At least the text I got said PB, not Kids.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 21:31
My favourite salad which has spicy fried chicken on greens and chile buttermilk dressing. May I have the chile buttermilk dressing receipe please? 2/3 cup buttermilk 2 green (spring)onions chopped 1/4 cup chopped, drained green chiles (the ones that come in a 4oz can like Old El Paso in most Mexican food sections here) 1 teaspoon salt I also add cumin and cayenne pepper
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 21:22
I think I have a Moses basket he can have. It has been in a box in the garage for quite awhile so need to check that it is still in useable shape. Will do so tomorrow and let you know. Re clothes, do they know the gender of the baby?
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 14:57
My favourite salad which has spicy fried chicken on greens and chile buttermilk dressing.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 11:28
Breige, You say she is good, trustworthy and has been with you for a long time so AED 2000 doesn't seem out of line at all. We have had ours for 3 years and she's fantastic so we pay AED2200 per month all inclusive. Personally I wouldn't want to get into all the issues you've described shopping for her; putting it all in salary and letting them decide how they use it is so much simpler. I think anyone thinks a bit more about how they spend their own money than they do if they are on someone else's dime. If she has been with you a long time and made the move from Abu Dhabi with you, maybe give her a slight raise if you feel it is warranted but tell her she's responsible for everything. You could also think about bonus instead of increasing salary (since salary is already fairly in line for a good maid in Dubai). Our maid's new husband wanted her to go to another country where she could earn more money (she doesn't want to go). We weren't going to raise her salary to match what she could get elsewhere but told her for each year she stays we'll give her a lumpsum at the end. She's very good and we didn't want the hassle of trying to find someone else so it is worth it to us and good incentive for her to have a nest egg at the end of each year. Like others, I wouldn't allow a boyfriend to spend the night. We did allow our maid's husband to spend the night from time to time but we asked for a copy of their marriage certificate (as well as passport, visa and labour card).
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 January 2011 - 08:03
Baking soda is used for breads, cakes, cookies...Bcb soda is generally added to meat recipes as a meat tenderizer. Afraid I disagree. They are the same thing. Www.joyofcooking.com/baking soda.html
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 18:13
Baking soda is the same as BCarb of soda.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 12:52
I just saw them at Spinneys Motor City this week and as someone else has mentioned, Lulu also usually has them.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 19:25
Funny. Mine def says whites only.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 19:18
275 ml water 65 ml vegetable oil 3 egg whites
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 19:18
I have a Polar RS200sd with footpod that I'm selling if you are interested. I have loved using it but wanted GPS functionality so upgraded to a Garmin. I used it for running and only to track time, distance and intervals so the heart rate monitor has never been worn/used. It has loads of functionality I can't begin to describe so here are specs from Polar: http://education.polarusa.com/Products/cs/rs200sd.asp?cat=consumer
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:19
There is an 'all things Apple' shop in Mirdiff City Centre just across from Cite des Enfants - I think it is called I-style? They had the ones that strap around your upper arm. I think they also have the same shop in Dubai Mall.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 13:56
Food is mediocre but the kids LOVE it. Having been once, that's what my daughter decided to do for her birthday.
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 09:03
There are differences in spelling between US and UK English but that is not to do with phonics. I had to change to UK spelling for work when I moved there but the differences are not huge. I find more differences in actual words used and try and teach my kids both when they encounter them just so they are aware (eg English say post Americans say mail). They find it amusing and the American relatives even more so when we go home and the kids speak like the Queen!
Catawba KSE
393
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 08:37
Hi Sundevil. Input on a few of your questions.... 1) Phonics does not mean that all words are spelled phonetically eg airplane does not become aeroplane. Words that can be spelled correctly phonetically are taught that way. Those that cannot are learned by teaching the kids common rules (eg a short vowel with a silent e on the end becomes a long vowel). And then there are the exceptions which just need to be memorised. I'm American but my kids go to British curriculum school. I'm amazed by how quickly they learned to read using phonics. 3) There is alot of variation in school fees. I suspect DAA which you are looking at is on the higher end of the spectrum (although there are definitely more expensive). Even with an education allowance we top up out of our own pocket to pay fees. Many people don't have any allowance whatsoever. You just need to determine your budget and look at schools accordingly. 4) I don't think you should be worried about the assessment process. At your son's age they are really just looking for anything out of the ordinary with regard to speech, social skills etc. My kids both went through group assessments as we were already in Dubai. In both cases they just observed them playing, read books and asked them a few questions about the story. In neither case were they asked to identify numbers, letters etc - that's what the school is expected to teach them at your son's age. 5) There are some schools which are much smaller than others. I'm sure you'll get recommendations. The way the school is laid out also helps -- we looked at a couple of schools when we came and much preferred the ones where the primary school was separate from the secondary giving it a small primary school feel. Make sure you visit the schools for this reason - you might be surprised how personal what you think is a relatively big school feels. Good luck in your search. It is good you are starting to look now. It might seem silly from a typical US perspective but you will find that places at many schools are very tight and you can't start to look early enough in Dubai. Looking now will give you options you won't have if you look at the last minute. We're in AR with young kids like yours and love it - sure you will as well.
 
 
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