Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 12:20
Everyone that went says it is the best concert they have ever been to. :/: I saw them in Abu Dhabi a few years back. AMAZING live. It was raining and Chris Martin sang "Singing in the rain" whilst playing the piano. One of the best concerts i have ever attended ( Apart from the mighty Foo Fighters) :-) Me too a concert I'll never forget!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 12:10
How sad condolences to his family. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 15/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 12:09
Bm I watched Jamie Oliver's christmas programme last night and he did a make ahead gravy - thought id share the recipe I'm definitely doing this, http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/jamie-oliver/turkey-gravy-recipe He also did his foolproof stuffing and it looked amazing too but is just what I do anyway passed down by my dad. Here's His recipe http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/chefs/jamie-oliver/jamie-oliver-stuffing-recipe The only other thing that I think makes the xmas meal special is making your an cranberry sauce it's the easiest thing in the world - cranberries are easy to find fresh in spinneys. I put Cointreau in mine rather than port as I prefer it with the orange. http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/english/christmas-easycranberry-and-orange-relish.html. It's delicious with cold meats too.
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 11:39
Thanks Claire, we're reluctant to use the credit card because of all the fees and charges since it's based in the States...found out that I can get it renewed at Al Badaa between 7:30-1, but only after the health card expires. I've also renewed at that clinic just go in with everything you need and do it at the window to the right of the reception. I don't know about the timings I just rucked up and there was only 1 person at the window. I thought those timings were for the visa health check. When I last went there they asked for my lease contract but as this was a new request I didn't have it with me so I said I had no idea they needed that as I'd never had to shw it before and she renewed it without it! ......they're really nice in there and it was renewed easily and quickly.
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 11:29
I have flown that route with them many times and every flight was excellent, food was very good and if you travel with kds they seem to be the only airline that take your buggy from you at the aircraft door and have it waiting for you at the aircraft door so no waiting at the carousel for your own buggy which, when I was travelling on my own with 2 small children, made all the difference and made virgin my preferred airline. Entertainment also very good. Enjoy your flight! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 15/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 03:02
Hi Clairhdp Yes you kindly recommended DASA but I can't find any contact details via Google. Can you help? http://www.dasadxb.com/
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 00:19
Has he done the Seawings seaplane flight around Dubai - it's fantastic. Or how about a helicopter flight.
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 00:14
We had a gas hob but electric oven - pretty sure we got it in Geant - I remember when we were looking they said it would have to be all gas or all electric but I insisted they check and bingo! they do do a gas hob and an electric over - it was fantastic. Jackys are the agents for La Germania so I know you'll get it there.
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 00:01
I'm not a huge fan of home cooked ham but Jamie Oliver's best of british programme has been great. I would most definitely try this recipe http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pork-recipes/roasted-marmalade-ham
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 23:55
We used DASA from Dubai back to the UK and I asked them to work with the company who brought us over to Dubai UTS Bournes. It was easy, the guys in Dubai were excellent and the guys in the UK were also excellent. I would highly recommend them. Heather in the office in Dubai made everything easy. Not sure who their agents are in other locations but we were so happy with our move out to Dubai that we thought it was probably safe to replicate it the other way around. I got a couple of other companies to quote - Crown being one of them but they were hugely expensive. We are back surrounded by all our stuff which arrived on time and all present and correct!
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 16:58
Oooooh I'd definitely go for the Ivy!
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 16:57
I wouldn't take it out the night before. Take it out early but I've cooked turkey successfully without taking it out the night before. another tip is to cook it upside down to keep it really moist. Turn it up the right way the last 30-40 minutes with some lovely streaky bacon across it to crisp up the skin and crisp up the bacon - that way all the juices cook into the breast and keeps it lovely and juicy and not dried out. Does Delia/Celia! tell you to do that?
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 16:52
If you are returning to the UK at any point it would probably be easier to stick with british curriculum. You don't say how old your child is. Both my kids have done all their education in dubai so far with british curriculum and we are now back in the UK and they have slotted into a british school very very easily.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 19:45
I noticed that it can be done online, but I'm not sure if we can use our credit card to renew our maid's health card. Which hospital can I go to to pay/renew the card? Do I need any other documents beside her health card? Thanks. I would renew using our credit card and it was easy.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 19:44
scp, if u are talking about the Dubai Health Authority Health Card, there is no need to renew it because even if she needs any facility or service, it needs payment. I just called and asked one of the hospitals and this is what they told me. but still you too can call and confirm from them. My understanding is though that you pay a lower rate if you have a health card plus I though it was the law that you hve to provide a health card (if this is for your housemaid).
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 12:01
All the pharmacies and opticians have them somewhere. Just ask and they magically appear. They're a litte bit more than a fiver but they are nicer and look gret!
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:44
Yes they are entertained too much and they start to lose the ability to amuse themselves. Mine are off now for a month and other than coming to Dubai we've got a pretty free holiday - no big set plans and I can't wait to spend time with them doing kiddy stuff at home not in a shopping mall.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:40
Very bizarre, anyone who can act in such an immature way and can involve their children is certainly not someone who deserves your friendship. If this person cannot give you a good reason as to why they won't speak to you anymore and thinks that your children shouldn't play together then I don't think you should waste time thinking about them, there are plenty of other people out there who deserve you I am sure. Let the children do what they want to do, clearly they are more intelligent than this woman gives them credit for and can see that there is no harm in being friends with each other. Perfect reply
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:39
Her loss.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:37
You'll get great tajines at global village
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:34
My kids finished school yesterday for a month!!!! And I can't wait to spend time with them - am I mad!!? I've got 2 of their new friends coming over this morning for the day and a sleep over. Us girls will bake a chocolate brownie Xmas tree while the boys amuse themselves on their bikes. I'm hoping someone will help with dinner preparations and we have all the bit's ready for them to make some snowflake Xmas tree decorations. I've sharpened the crayons in anticipation of lots of colouring time. My kids are tired so like Jane we I'll have lots of pj days and chill out. I'm hoping for lots of snuggles and really can't wait! We're over in Dubai after xmas and all the plans we have so far don't include any mall - just time catching up with the old friends, swimming and chilling out on the beach. Enjoy your kids they are small for such a short amount of time. Indulge yourself in doing fun kiddy stuff all too soon they will be hormonal teenagers texting and grunting and rolling their eyes at every one of your suggestions! Happy holidays to you all! After our first week I may well feel different and I'll be crying out for mall entertainment - but......at this moment we are looking forward to an Enid blyton style holiday!!!!:) <em>edited by Clairehdp on 13/12/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 03:09
I'd book either rivington grill, the ivy or Rhodes 2010 for modern British in Dubai <em>edited by Clairehdp on 13/12/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 03:25
Clairhdp - sounds divine. Is this your own creation or?! Would love to see a picture! I'm going to use the Nigella Lawson recipe and just bake it in my new christmas tree shaped baking tin.....not made it yet -will do a trial run and if it works out will get a picture and recipe to you! My sister always does a christmas tree shaped jelly for the kids - that's always popular.
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 03:20
Thanks ladies - Clairehdp - who is Chef? Kelly1814 - Casserole looks really nice thanksand will definitely use in the future but am looking more for buffet style this time. Many thanks! I think Clairehdp is referring to"yes chef" http://www.yeschef.ae/ I am referring to Yes Chef!!!! Ask for Scott
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 15:09
there are a couple of places in the Dragonmart that sell sashes and chair covers would be worth checking them out and getting prices.
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 13:05
Tomorrow at 11am in Irony Homes, Dubai Mall there is a class on how to decorate your Christmas tree. ;) this has now been cancelled to next Saturday - far too late for anyone, I think. :( Way, way too late - how crazy! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 13/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 13:02
Frankies Segreto Bice hilton jumeirah Bice souk al bahar I don't rate Toscana either There's an Italian restaurant in rydges hotel that is up posed o be good but I've never been there.
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:52
Frenchy go onto the national trust website they have beautiful country houses and gardens to visit and often have great Christmas things to do. It's so lovely to be able to visit such beautiful historic places. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 11/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:48
Oh...and I meant to add what I do to make myself feel happier. I find time, even just five minutes a day, to be by myself...REALLY by myself and in the moment. I might make a cup of tea, sit somewhere quiet and peaceful and be IN the moment. Taste the tea, smell the tea, feel the cup in my hands, feel my feet on the floor...then use all senses to 'see' everything around me...listen to every sound around me (birds, wind in the trees, someone's mower in the distance etc), see the leaves swaying etc etc. It all sounds very hippified, but that moment every day calms and relaxes me and helps me to face the challenges brought my way. If I'm feeling really down, I make sure I wear my most favourite clothes, no matter what I'm doing. Hanging around in pj's all day does not lift one's mood. Unless one (lol) is sitting in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate and watching the rain outside. :D If there's anything you really love doing (reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, base jumping ;) ) try to do it for even a short time, every single day. I love gardening, so even when I haven't had my own garden, I have some pots with flowers and herbs to tend every day. I like to plan ahead when I know I need something to look forward to. Perhaps take some of the suggestions below and do a bit of your own tourist research then plan a calendar for the next seven months. Don't look at it as a "count down until you get the heck out of there", look at it as a list of things you can't wait to do and only have a limited time to pack them all in. Which villages do you want to see? What local food specialities must you try? Which parks do you want to walk through? Which country lanes would you love to picnic beside? Your UK 'Bucket List'. :D Have one precious item that ALWAYS makes you smile. A favourite, beautiful tea cup; an item of jewellery; favourite happy photos; a gorgeous scarf; a pretty cushion. Have it where you can see it, or where you can grab it when you need a boost. Nothing too nostalgic!! That can backfire and make you weepy. ;) Once you get yourself in the right frame of mind, it becomes easier to think of little things that bring a smile to your face. I love that greenish
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:43
Yes chef might be able to help
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:42
The quickest, easiest way to meet people is through the school your children attend. Do you have a class rep? if so make sure you meet up with them as they are usually the ones who organise coffee mornings/ lunches and fun mums nights out. If you don't have that system why don't you arrange to meet a couple of the mums for a offer at drop ff time. Expatwomen coffee mornings are also a good way to meet people. Sign up for a course. I did Thai ookng and Indian cooking classes and met some fabulous people through this. Good luck and enjoy yourself in Dubai <em>edited by Clairehdp on 11/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 22:17
You can get those in the gold and diamond park too just ask any of the jewellers and they will usually have some tubs and are happy to sell to you.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 22:15
Dubai Laundry are excellent. Dubai Laundry P.O.Box: 763 Dubai United Arab Emirates +971 (4) 285-9273
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 19:38
a very large Chocolate brownie - christmas tree shaped especially for the kids.....
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 19:37
I have 2 trees. One formal and adult and one full of kids stuff in the family room. all the decorations have been collected over the years and come out each year. All the lights are clear lights and the decorations are either silver or red on the formal/adult tree and clear lights but multi coloured decorations on the children's tree with a good selection of cadburys chocolate decorations too! I love my trees and love taking time to decorate them with a nice glass of wine and christmas music playing.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 19:32
do the Jumeirah Mosque tour - it's so interesting and it's lovely being able to go into the mosque. you could then take her to The One cafe for a hot chocolate and cookie or an early lunch. I second the cultural breakfast at the SMCCU and a stroll around Bastakiya - fantastic and really interesting. Take a private abra for a tour on the creek. Afternoon tea at the One and Only is lovely Dinner at The Ivy or Gaucho Book tickets on line for At the top Trip out to Bab Al Shams for lunch or cocktails on the roof. Drive out through the desert to hatta fort hotel and stop at the vegetable stalls and carpet and pot stalls on the way. Have lunch at Hatta Fort and then go to the tourist centre and walk around the fort. Nice day out - you need to take your passports as they have checks on the road now as you approach Hatta.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 03:35
Take them to Posh Paws petting farm/zoo - it's fantastic and they can stroke and interact with so many different animals. My 2 kids loved it there http://poshpawsdubai.com/AnimalSanctuary.aspx 25 minutes drive from the Dragonmart and soooooo worthwhile.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:36
Redlesley might know exactly who you need to address this to as she used to work there.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:35
From emirates hills it's probably easier to go on umm seqieuml street past Arabian ranches and the polo club onto the al quedra road and it's signposted from there.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 15:37
I would doubt that the 2011 book is available now - the 2012 one has just come out so I would think that's the one they will be pushing from now. Maybe someone has a 2011 book left that they won't be using if you're after specific vouchers.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 15:36
Definitely wait for Moorfields. I've sent you a fb message. xx
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 14:42
I’m not surprised you’re miserable in England. No sun, dark for months on end, miserable people and nothing to do. I think you need to move back here. Oooooh that's really going to help Frenchy!!!! Not sure where you go in the UK but we've got blue skies and sunshine again today (have only had 4 really bad days since we got back here in July) I've not yet met a miserable person and there's soooooo much to do here. We spend more time outside here than we did in Dubai. We've got lovely forests close by, golf courses, loads of outdoor play areas. the kids are on their bikes far more than they were in Dubai - honestly - being back is nothing like your description! Frenchy - have you not met any of the mums from school? How about grabbing the bull by the horns and inviting some of them over for coffee and mince pies before school breaks up. One of them might just turn out to be a best best friend. Or organise a night out with the class mums. It's hard to make new friends but so worthwhile when you do. good luck!
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 03:49
"I still hope that when I open a wardrobe door my lovely housemaid will magically appear " Claire I know maid's rooms are generally not big, but you are really not supposed to keep your housemaid in the wardrobe. :cool:
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 01:15
I was going to say surround yourself with positive people in Dubai but I now remember that you are here in the UK (so am I!!!). Sounds to me like you need a big pampering. Book yourself into a local spa and treat yourself. Get your hair done, nails done and feel a million dollars. That will put a smile on your face and make you feel more confident. You might meet a potential best mate at the spa or the hairdressers. I've been stuck a bit at home as I had to have an operation pretty much as soon as I returned to the UK and the recovery was much much longer than I had expected so it's only now that I am getting out and about and meeting new people. I am lucky because we returned to where we lived a while ago so I have my best friend from college days up the road and another great mate in London who has come down every week since my operation to help me out but now I feel better I've booked in for the hair to be done and am feeling good and positive and excited about meeting new people. I have a really good friend in Dubai who is leaving to return to the UK at the end of this month and she's going to be close by to you (I seem to remember that you were close to Birmingham) let's all meet up in the new year and we can laugh about our lives post Dubai. I have been pleasantly surprised at coming back - I still sit in my car at the petrol stations expecting some little man to appear to fill my car and I still hope that when I open a wardrobe door my lovely housemaid will magically appear but other than that I'm settling back pretty well - just taken longer because I was out of action but I've got my mojo back and am determined to meet some new fascinating people.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 16:27
You can order beautiful birthday cakes from chocoa at the back of MOE
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 16:25
Do all your guests like salmon? If I were you I'd do a second alternative for those who maybe don't like salmon. this chicken liver parfait from Jamie Oliver is delicious and you can make in advance and keep in the fridge for up to a week. http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/chicken-recipes/chicken-liver-parfait
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 16:11
I've always been really happy with Juan Salon - he's in Indigo tower just by the metro station. Used him when he was in his old location for cut, colour - superb blow dries - good mani and pedi and waxing too. No.309, 3rd floor, Indigo Tower (at the back of Almas Tower), Jumairah Lakes Tower, Dubai-U.A.E. Tel: +971 4 4389570
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 11:08
We always did a class collection so the teacher and assistant ended up with a pretty substantial gift but if there was no collection I would always get a mani/pedi voucher so they could treat themselves to a child free hour!!!!
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 11:06
You can get it easily at the desk to the right as you go into the al bada clinic. You need to have all the right paperwork and last time that included a copy of yor lease agreement but it was done in a few minutes and you can ark quite easily outside.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 10:56
So pleased that your little ones rash has gone. Metanium is unbelievable isn't it. When boots first opened in Dubai the guy in Ibn battuta was really good abut wanting feedback from Brits as to what products they wanted them to stock. I'm sure if you ask they can try to get it in - especially if they knew how many expatwomen would buy it!!!!!!! Now your little one is clear of the nappy rash I would use the Metanium for another couple of days and then switch to sudocrem every nappy change. As soon as you see a red bottom again smear on Metanium and you should be able to keep your little one completely free of any nappy rash again. What a relief for you - I bet you're glad you shouted out for help on here!
 
 
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