Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 10:08
Nineteen at the montgomerie used to do it I think. Do you mean on a Saturday or actually on a Sunday - I think you'll struggle finding somewhere on a Sunday. We had a great roast on a Saturday at left bank at the madinat
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 10:05
I'm finding this thread quite interesting. I have been wondering about the different curriculums and what to choose if you are neither British nor American. Are there any Kiwi teachers or parents who could compare this to the NZ system and advise? I had sort of just assumed that NZ would be more like the British (not knowing anything about it but just because of our history) but now I wonder, from what I am reading it sounds much more as though we are similar to the American? (although not at university level, it sounds like there are a lot of extra years involved in that, (as an aside out of curiosity how many years does it take to get through a US medical degree then, including 4 years of a degree and then however long at med school, no wonder American TV shows always depict parents saving furiously for children's college funds) It sounds a bit like it all matters more at high school level and if you were only sticking around for primary school you could transition back to a different curriculum fairly easily regardless, do the schools start at the same age? Don't know if the nz system s the same but there are a couple of Australian schools in Dubai so it's not just uk and US curriculum.
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 16:16
We moved back to the uk in the summer but have been back for the major school holidays and I got to do a girls long weekend which was so much fun. We are all loving the uk ( even the rain! ). I thought the schools were fantastic in Dubai but boy my socks have been blown off with the schools here in the uk - they are sooooo fantastic ! Kids have settled in really well and we all pend far more time outside than we ever dd in Dubai which surprises me. I'm looking out this morning o blue skies and unshine with a beautiful view over the golf course and life is very very good. There are lots of things I miss about Dubai but we get to go back quite often ( my husband is there now working and will be back there next week too) so we can kep in touch and see our friends regularly. We are looking forward to seeing many of our friends over the summer when they alll escape the intense summer heat so we have the best of both worlds. Would I return? Probably yes but only for my husbands job and it would need to be a really really good deal because at the moment I m loving what we have here in the UK and its so lovely to be back with your lifelong friends and your family. My mum is staying with us or a few days so I get to take her out fr nice pub lunches and we can sit in the evening with our glasses of wine chatting about my dad who we ll miss so much. It's not the same having those cats on the phone - they arope coal moments that I'm so glad I can have with my mum in person now. Also, having experienced the schools here I would not know what to do about my kids education - not sure I'd want them back in Dubai British education because it's very different........ A hard call........ As a matter of interest (because I know you were pretty happy with school here) what is it that is better/ more suited to your children about their UK school than Repton Dubai and what type of school have they gone to ie private, selective, state?? Were they academically on a par with their new class-mates? Hope you don't mind me asking. Very happy to answer Tuesday.Yes you are right I was very very happy with their education in Dubai and Repton worked them hard. They have far more opportunities in sports in the UK. They are both at private school and the school has acres and acres of grounds, outdoor classrooms, loads of trees. they play outside 3 times a day. I was early the other day ot pick my little girl up and I watched her running across a field and skipping along the path. I never saw that in Dubai. They both climb trees at school and love it (don't know how they get away with the health and safety thing!) but I remember climbing trees when I was young and it's soooo much fun. My kids never got to do that. My little boy is at a 4 day outward bound trip (all included in the fees!) and the house where they are all staying in Devon is owned by the school. They play either house matches or matches against other schools every single week and often a couple of times a week. Neither are particularly sporty but they both play to represent their house - they never got chosen at Repton because they were not the creme de la creme on the sports field. They have amaxing after school activitities - horseriding on site (the school owns it's own stables) shooting, archery, chess (taught by a professional chess player) cooking (in an amazing purpose built cookery block at school). They have been in countless concerts and school plays. The best thing about moving for me was that the children were both on a level with where they needed to be. Both have slotted into UK schooling well with no issues at all. they are loving having more opportunities to try so many new and different things. Repton did work them hard and they had quite a bit of homework but they were where they needed to be and on some things were slightly ahead. Interestingly they have as much homework in the UK and as they have been used to doing homework they are happy to sit for the 20 minutes to complete it. I hope that helps you.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 15:28
You can download great manuals and videos from their website. My friend used this and found it really helpful http://www.intexcorp.com/index.php/manual-video/
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 14:58
Just get onto the 44 Hatta road and drive towards Hatta and you will come to loads of pot stalls and carpet sellers. We used to go in the morning (you can bargain well as you will be the first deal of the day!) and then carry on down the road to Hatta Fort Hotel for lunch and then come back with the car full of our purchases! It's only about an hour - Masafi is a much longer drive.
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 13:01
Zeng He's is good. another thumbs up for Pai Thai, The Wharf and Ushnas.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 12:59
You need to bring as much personal stuff as you can to make your house a home. Lots of photos, knick nacks that will remind you of your famly and home country. Books are expensive too so pack some great reads in your container.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 12:58
Not sure which spices you can't get (vanilla being the exception) I thought the selection of herbs and spices was amazing and would often stroll around the spice souk marvelling at the amazing selection. I'd be interested to know what spices you use in Australia that you can't source here.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 12:54
If you can buy in the UK then do - facetime is awesome to have and once you get used to using it I prefer it over skype. there was a thread the other day about whether to buy an iphone in dubai, uk or US - take a look as it had some good responses.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 12:52
Use the search button and search for mobile hairdresers - there are quite a few british mobile hairdressers and their numbers will be on there for you.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 12:51
When we first arrived in April of 2011 (Third Term), there were very limited options. We went with the school with the least resistance. We have continued to stay with that school based on outstanding Teacher performance. Of course we have normal concerns but, our children are very well adjusted, happy and eager to learn, independent little people and we are proud. I believe children will learn and grow wherever they may be. I am very happy with the life lessons, academics and social learning our kids are getting in every day life here in Dubai, which includes their school. How refreshing - I feel exactly the same about my kids schooling and life experience that they had in Dubai too!
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 10:12
Our American children are in UK curriculum. Here is the most recent example of difference, 6 year old DD is reading a book from the Oxford learning Series: ***Disclaimer for those who might need one: I don't have the book in front of me for reference Chip and Kipper are riding in a dinghy headed towards the weir. Kipper has a torch. Some of DD's questions: What is a Dinghy? What is a Weir? Is a torch a flashlight? "Chip and Kipper", huh... are those their REAL names? We are new to this UK curriculum and although I don't mind the introduction to a multitude of new vocabulary lessons, it does add a great deal of time to our reading homework regime. The challenge can be frustrating for her at times (and me too... ack, just hurry up already). But my 6 year old daughter would ak the same questions with the exception of the torch. This is te point of the books it gets your child to ask questions and you explain to them I'm not sure many 6 year olds would know hat a weir is. My little boy also asked if chip and kipper were real names and I got to then have a long chat w ith him about my cat that I had as a little girl because I called him kipper. This is what they want from these reading books. Out of interest because of this thread what made you choose the uk curriculum over the US?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 10:05
Enjoy your next adventure there are lots of ex Dubai peeps in doha! Safe travels
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 10:04
You can get te iron on hemming in Ikea Yes Vegemite is everywhere but I bet it's way more expensive
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 15:27
... but you didnt have to work and you had a 1 year old child - would you take it? Job is full time, DH works full time, we dont have a nanny (and wouldnt trust them with my DD anyway - sweeping statement i know but thats my opinion). what to do...? its a really, really good job but my DD..... I would not take it. Children grow so fast your DD will be in school in 2 years enjoy her while you can, you can always get a job but you can’t get those early years back. I agree with Twilght. Enjoy your time with your little DD. she will be babbling and walking soon and I thought that time was so much fun. Sign up for boogie babies and baby swim lessons and meet lots of different mums. I would make the most of your time with your little one and make new friends for you too. She will be at school before you know it.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 14:29
All too complicated for me...i don't even know what a renewable tenancy agreement is !! :)
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 14:28
I've seen it before in Lulus
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 14:13
I did read all this but in our particular case I am not sure either: Facts: - We live in this house since 2 1/2 years. - Contract renewal: 24 August. - Owner is a private person and LL is a real estate company (which he works for) - He now wants to sell the house, asking if we can recive potential buyers/real estat companies at the house - Our contract does NOT state how much notice he would have to give us Question: How much notice has he got to give us????? Hi Mai Tai, The answer to your last question is that to sell the house the LL has to give you 12 months notice as outlined by other posters here. However, if the LL wants he could also refuse to renew your tenancy and to do that the legal notice period required is 3 months. Verified by RERA as I went with a similar query earlier this week. Good luck. This is interesting....... we were told that this notice can only be given if the place is in disrepair and major structural works are needed. [b'> If it's purely to sell then he is free to sell with you as sitting tenants...[/b'>... and what if the buyer wants to move into the house himself ? According to the rent committee when we went there they should know that you have a renewable contract and they would be aware of the date you will be moving out. When we showed perspective buyers around I was very clear to them that we had a renewable tenancy contract and we were wanting to renew. As long as everyone is clear and honest it should be fine. do you remember all the problems with the Lakes when they were all sold and people wanted to move straight in but the tenants had tenancy contracts - it was a nightmare. There's also a poster on here - can't remember her name but she bought and wanted to move in but the tenant had a renewable contract and had to be given the 12 months notice and so she couldn't get the property for her own use until the 12 months from the end of the contract had been completed. The problems occur when agents are not honest and sellers are not honest. our LL sold and the new owner said he wanted ot move in but then decided to re-rent. we had already given our notice to quit as we were moving back to the UK but had we not been leaving we would have renewed. If they had given us a renewable contract we would have every right to stay there for another 2 years because if he then changed his mind and wanted to move in then he would have to give us the 12 months notice at the end of our contract allowing him to move in to his property. I think it's fair - when it all goes wrong it's when the buyer is unaware of the tenancy laws in this country. They are bizarre - nothing like the laws for renting in the UK. I had every right to give my tenants in my property in the UK 3 months notice to move out. It's very different here.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 14:01
I did read all this but in our particular case I am not sure either: Facts: - We live in this house since 2 1/2 years. - Contract renewal: 24 August. - Owner is a private person and LL is a real estate company (which he works for) - He now wants to sell the house, asking if we can recive potential buyers/real estat companies at the house - Our contract does NOT state how much notice he would have to give us Question: How much notice has he got to give us????? Hi Mai Tai, The answer to your last question is that to sell the house the LL has to give you 12 months notice as outlined by other posters here. However, if the LL wants he could also refuse to renew your tenancy and to do that the legal notice period required is 3 months. Verified by RERA as I went with a similar query earlier this week. Good luck. This is interesting....... we were told that this notice can only be given if the place is in disrepair and major structural works are needed. If it's purely to sell then he is free to sell with you as sitting tenants......
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:59
Found it, and must have driven past it so many times but never actually noticed it! Had a lovely breakfast of waffles and coffee :) Very convenient stop off for the Repton folks judging by todays intake... Yeah I went there with some mums - pretty nice place - I liked it because it's different. glad you found it - handy for you!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:56
There is a perception here that children must go to the same curriculum school as their home country in order to fit back in. This is not the case. Schools back home, like universities, fit the student back into their systems. It's not a big deal but people don't really understand this. If there was only an American school here, all the English-speaking children would go there--even if they were British, etc. and there would be no choice in the matter. Children learn as long as the teacher enables the student to feel good about learning, questioning, etc. It's not about getting through a curriculum at the end of the day, its about a child learning how to solve problems and find the information they need. In the end, most children will all come out the same--the British kids who started early, the Scandanavians who started late, etc. I don't think there's a perception that children MUST go to the same curriculum. I am speaking from experience as both my children did their education so far in Dubai at a Dubait British curriculum school. Moving back to the UK and placing them in schools in the UK has been a very very easy transition for the children as the school they attended in Dubai did mirror what their UK friends were doing at school very well. So I was just saying that from my experience and my own opinion - I would try and stick as close as you can to your home curriculum if you will be returning to that country - it's one less hassle for the children and , in turn, on less worry for you! If there was no choice and there was only one type of school here - you are right - we would not be having these discussions but it's because there is a huge choice in Dubai that people ask for advice. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 03/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:40
Mai Tai - this also happended to us. Our LL told us that we would need to move out as he wanted to sell the villa. We spoke to the rent committee and they were absolutely clear - the LL is free to sell his villa at any time but he has to sell with you as tenants. the new owners take over your lease. If he requires to sell the property with you out of the property then he has to give you 12 months notice at the end of your current lease. So - if your lease ends on 24th August 2012 you have a further 12 months and your final 12 months will be a non renewable contract stating that you will vacate the property at the end of the 12 months. the same will be for a new owner. If they sell to a new person they become your new LL and take over the lease contract. If they wish to move into the property then they ahve to also give you 12 months notice to quite so again, you can stay in the property until 24th august 2013 at which point you must move out.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:24
We bought ours in the UK so we have facetime. Just came back and bought the etisalat micro sim. works fine.
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 17:23
I am in a similar situation. We arrived in Dubai in January. We are finding the school fees here high as husbands company do not contribute. My daughter attends a British school (and certainly not the most expensive one). I am happy with the school and she has settled well. I am are that there are cheaper schools but would this be at the price of her education? If she's happy and has settled I would keep her where she is - especially if you are happy with the school. You could move her to save money and end up with a very unhappy child at a school you are not impressed with. If it was me I'd try and save money in other ways rather than move my child again - espeically as you've only recently arrived - it's a big move for them.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 17:19
Anyone? Just follow the road and it will eventually lead you to The Farm.
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 16:25
I think what is important is to think far ahead - where will you be going on to after Dubai......are you british and do you intend to return to the UK. If so, for ease for your children it would (imo) be a far easier transition for them to go to a UK curr school there. Both my children attended a british curr school and we have returned to the UK and they just slotted in beautifully with no issues at all.
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 16:18
Lulus always have a good selection of thermas stuff in their camping section.
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 16:17
I have found good rates by just calling hotels and asking for room only specials. that can get expensive though with the prices they charge for breakfast. I always ask for resident specials - and then ask for a breakfast and or lunch/dinner subsidy - if you book in advance it's almost always much cheaper.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 01:52
I liked it - it's different - love the ipad menus but it takes a while to order while you decide exactly what ingredients you want in your sauce if you're having a pasta dish!!!!! worth a try - not sure I would spend lots of time there but it was a nice change and I enjoyed my lunch there.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 01:49
Best Shwarnas are from Eat and Drink (imo)
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 01:49
Love Maria bonitas mexican - they are fab at outdoor catering.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 01:47
Jumeirah have posted their fabulous summer deals. Simpleas - not sure when you checked but go on now - you can get a friday night during Ramadan for 1.020 bed breakfast and lunch or dinner at Al Qasr. Get booking! https://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Booking/?Type=Check&City=Dubai&HotelID=2878;2920;2840&ArrivalDate=01/05/2012&DepartureDate=06/05/2012&Adults=&PromoCode=PSGO1
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 01 May 2012 - 02:24
contact Abeda - she does fabulous indian cooking classes - she can also arrange arabic cooking classes. http://www.spiceandaroma.com/index.html
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 09:57
We moved to Dubai in 2001 and went back home in 2009 we recently moved back again and I’m regretting the decision. You can’t choose the right school for your child you have to accept the first one that offers you a place, the maid culture and attitude of some expats drive me crazy, being on holiday here is lovely whereas living here is frustrating, the weather is draining, the packages are not as good as it was a few years ago etc. In my opinion most people come to Dubai to work to afford a better life elsewhere, we intend to go home soon because we want the children to live in a normal environment. You must have known those things after living here for 8 years. Why would she? We left last summer and it feels different each time I come back! Also from 2008 many new schools have opened so you would think things would have improved.......
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 09:54
We moved back to the uk in the summer but have been back for the major school holidays and I got to do a girls long weekend which was so much fun. We are all loving the uk ( even the rain! ). I thought the schools were fantastic in Dubai but boy my socks have been blown off with the schools here in the uk - they are sooooo fantastic ! Kids have settled in really well and we all pend far more time outside than we ever dd in Dubai which surprises me. I'm looking out this morning o blue skies and unshine with a beautiful view over the golf course and life is very very good. There are lots of things I miss about Dubai but we get to go back quite often ( my husband is there now working and will be back there next week too) so we can kep in touch and see our friends regularly. We are looking forward to seeing many of our friends over the summer when they alll escape the intense summer heat so we have the best of both worlds. Would I return? Probably yes but only for my husbands job and it would need to be a really really good deal because at the moment I m loving what we have here in the UK and its so lovely to be back with your lifelong friends and your family. My mum is staying with us or a few days so I get to take her out fr nice pub lunches and we can sit in the evening with our glasses of wine chatting about my dad who we ll miss so much. It's not the same having those cats on the phone - they arope coal moments that I'm so glad I can have with my mum in person now. Also, having experienced the schools here I would not know what to do about my kids education - not sure I'd want them back in Dubai British education because it's very different........ A hard call........
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 09:37
Yes chef! They are not Thai but have loads of delicious menus. Speak to Scott very ray o deal with. http://www.yeschef.ae/
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 01:06
We also used DASA international and it's bournes at the uk end they were excellent.
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 21:51
Did you see this thread about bead palace? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=178541
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 15:22
I'm back in the UK and not too far from Reading - if I can be of any help to you don't hesitate to contact me on claire dot damamme at ntlworld.com. Why are they charging you an agency fee?
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 12:09
Yeah I used to use Dubai Laundry - there are great - pick up and drop off in the evening so that would suit you. they come to AR.
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 12:08
I'd book the Grand Grill at the Habtoor Grand - use the entertainer vouchers - it's a great restaurant with a good atmosphere and they sing an amazing happy birthday! With 10 you could even book into the semi private room there
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 17:20
La Verandah at JBH is always good and the kids can have a little play on the beach too. Great photo opportunities of the BAA too!
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 17:19
We only handed the keys back on receipt of the security deposit it's a good way to make sure yuo get your deposit back. If they want the keys to the property and you are handing it back in a good state - they why can't they provide you with the cheque in return for the keys - it's always worked fine for us. sounds like you've already handed the keys back - I would do the same as Cheeky Monkey and take up residence in your LL office. Good luck!
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 10:40
There is a bigger picture to all this; Once the poor pup has been rehomed and settled, if I was the OP I would start thinking very deeply about what sort of a man I married and how my daughter has developed such a selfish uncaring attitude - frightening. She's already put that she thinks she's heading for divorce - what more can the poor woman do? Luddite you knew that some would jump on you for this but I think you've done a hard thing and it loos like your pup will be well cared for. I'm sure it's been a hard decision but well done for taking control of an awful situation.
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 10:35
*hmm, some people in life just love to go on and on and always have the last word...........* OP: enjoy your lunch!:) :\: Only trying to help Pom - did you get out the wrong side of the bed today?
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 10:00
Yorkshire puddings are the easiest thing to do out of the roast dinner there's no need to buy them, so easy my 11 yr dd makes them all time when I do the roast. Flour egg n milk :) They ate not easy!!! I consider myself a good cook but boy I really struggled with yorkies. Even had my Yorkshire friends come to see what I was doing wrong and they still came out like biscuits! Everyone said the fat needed to be smoking - it made no difference. I becme a bit obssessed about yorkies! I eventually tried nigella lawsons recipe in her feast cookery book and hey presto! I am now the queen of Yorkers and I now think they are the easiest things to make but it took me years to get there so if it was my first time doing a roast dinner for guests I would not add to my stress unless I had the nigella recipe. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 27/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 17:22
I'd do Al Qasr - go to the Talise spa - lie by their gorgeous pool or on the beach - they have a really nice beach menu - burgers, chicken, fish - all very tasty. You can eat in the pool bar area or they can serve you by the pool or on the beach. Great views of Burj Al Arab for the all important 'girls weekend' photo call! by the way, they no longer throw in free beach access at talise when you have a treatment. the cost to access the beach is ....................750 dh! I didn't know they even offered free beach access!!!! We have always gone to al Qasr and never paid as much as 750 - when did that go up? From memory I think it was around 500 but you got 150 f and b credit to spend there...... In the early summer months they usually do a much better rate which we would always take advantage of.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 16:04
Aunt Bessie's Yorkshires and Roast Potato's are in full stock in Spinney's Town Centre Springs! She's my go-to-Mamma when I need roasties in a hurry ;) Ooooooh no - you have to make your own roasties those frozen ones are awful.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 16:02
My cat was a UK outdoor cat but she arrived in dubai in September so it was very very hot. she was very happy to stay in the air conditioned villa - she was 12 so very used to her outdoor life. She took to the litter tray and spent her time on people's laps and curled up on the beds and sofas. She did go out once when we first arrived but the step was soooo hot it put her off. She had no desire after that to go out so just became a happy indoor cat. She did however decide to go out 18 months later and we lost her for approx 10 days. we found her right down the end of our road completely confused as all the villas looked the same! She never went outside again! we are now back in the UK and as I am typing I can see her thruogh the patio doors outside sitting in the sunsine in the garden - she's taken to be an outdoor cat again at 14 and is loving it. I think we all worry far more about the animals - they do seem to travel well.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 15:56
You wouldn't suppose the fat from my very pregnant body will be able to keep me warm enough?! I leave for the UK this week- end, with no closed shoes (swollen feet & canckles), a few jumpers (which I managed to buy yesterday) and a couple of vest/long sleeve tops! Apart from that - my suitcase resembles someone who is going on a vacation to a mildly chilly place...but definitely not suitable for heavy rain and snow :/: Oh dear...am going to go on wishful thinking that I can generate enough body heat to keep myself warm ;) I think it really depends what part of the UK you are heading to - up north does seem to be much colder and wetter - i am in the south and we've had lots of rain this morning with blue skies and sun but this afternoon it's sunny and no rain.
 
 
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