Daza | ExpatWoman.com
 

Daza

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 19:29
Yep, she looks amazing. Mind you, I reckon I'd have a certain glow about me if I had DB to come home to at night. He gets better and better with age too.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 18:28
Each to their own but that's my view too globetrotter. Terminating the pregnancy wouldn't be an option for me but I would prefer the chance to be as emotionally and practically prepared before the birth as I could be. It's such a personal thing though, I've got friends who prefer to have no scans at all done.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:06
What is the bodice of this dress that Mrs B is wearing, could it possibly be crushed velvet? Is it making a comeback? I haven't worn any since a nice lace up the front gypsy waistcoat style number circa 1990. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/4658834/The-Beckhams-head-home-to-Britain.html
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 16:32
I think with people getting married later in life and more 2nd marriages (after one party is divorced), the traditional way wedding finances were handled has progressed. [b'>Personally, I didn't want the 'traditional way' because I felt it gave other people too much control![/b'> Sorry to side step the original question! I think anything goes these days. Whatever suits the individual couple and their circumstances. Same here coffee mate, myself and my husband paid for our own wedding, it never actually occurred to me that either of our parents would pay. Plus with my parents twice divorced if each of them had a say in the day it would have been even more stressful than it was trying to keep things happy.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 15:32
If the bride can't pay for them then she shouldn't have them! Or she should budget them into the total cost of her wedding and cut costs elsewhere. I think it's only fair if it's her day and she has asked her BMs the honour of being there for her on her big day that she pays for dresses. I've never been to a wedding or been in a wedding party where I have had to pay. Agreed, it would be like inviting someone round to your home for dinner then asking them to chip in for the meal!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 15:24
I use Safer Driver a lot, never had any problems. Apart from once which was my fault, I told the driver Naisimi Beach and it was Sandance Beach, oops! I've always paid 120 for anywhere in Dubai to Arabian Ranches. If also dropping off someone else at another location it's been 140.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 15:16
I'm similar to you Scribs, my first weekend/holiday job was aged 12 picking boysenberries at a neighbouring farm, it was impossible to get all the prickles out at the end of the day! I only worked for 8 years post university before starting a family and giving up work but I've never felt frustrated that my husband earns the money. It's 'family' money not 'his' money. I do realise that I'm very lucky that he feels the same. I understand what you are saying about becoming a SAHM and not feeling valued or like you have a role in the world and I think it's such a shame that society often doesn't value the role of SAHMs. You are right about women not being equal in their rights here to men and in the context of this thread it is hugely important.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:47
So because your husband was influenced by outsiders to do all the things he didn't do in his own country you blame Dubai? It's the people he was mixing with. My husband doesn't do anything different here to what he does at home. He doesn't go out more he has lots of friends that do, but he is his own person and puts me and the kids first before anything else. [b'>The place doesn't change people, people change theirselves[/b'>. I feel it's a silly exscuse blaming where you live. Or course people change themselves but their environment has a big factor on those choices. You can't succumb to temptation if it's simply not there. For me, not doing anything different to what we would do it home would defeat a lot of the purpose and enjoyment of being somewhere different. We go out a lot more here because we have the opportunity to.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:39
Thank you that's really kind but I'm still umming and ahhing about a Kindle. It would be so convenient but I do love a proper book!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:27
Ozzy Osbornes is good too. Thanks louise, it's gone straight to the Book Depository wish list!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:25
Me too! Our view of the mosque this morning was even more gorgeous than usual with pink fluffy clouds behind the minaret and light drizzle falling. Ahhhhh.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:21
Check your contract regarding who pays for maintenance. When we rented here we were liable for maintenance as it as written in to the contract. However, as far as I'm aware in standard contracts maintenance in the LL responsibility. I don't think you are obliged to allow viewings, if you don't the LL will just have to have them done once you vacate. I think it is fair to allow them if the LL is behaving reasonably but if he/she isn't then it's a different story.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:08
Not forgetting that you require written permission from your husband to leave the country with your children, and also his permission (NOC) if you wish to work. edited by Alismum on 22/11/2012 I've left the country with my one year old with no permission needed. Maybe it's a luck of the draw thing.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 14:04
I've had three NT scans done at Fetal Medicine and have always been very happy with them. Dr Mirza is fantastic. You get a detailed report and a DVD to take home. http://www.my-baby.net/ Whilst you can get the detail in a regular scan the problem is that most obstetricians aren't specialists at reading and interpreting scans, the doctors at Fetal Medicine are so there is a greater degree or accuracy. They also have top of the range scanning equipment at Fetal Medicine which make it easier to get an accurate result.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 13:36
This can have huge impact on your marriage. You are no longer an equal partner, you rely totally on your husband for money, and when you've previously had independence and control, it's hard when this is taken away from you. edited by Scribs on 22/11/2012 Hi Scribs I think it's a real shame that you don't consider yourself an equal partner because you rely on your husband for money. Money isn't the only valuable commodity in a relationship. I'm a SAHM and when I stopped working I didn't for a second feel like I'd given up any independence or control. Sure, I rely on my husband for money but he relies on me to raise our children and keep our home running. It's an equal partnership, we just bring different things to the table. I think it also depends on your situation. I was a SAHM in London and continued to be one when we moved here so I didn't have the big giving up work adjustment to also factor it.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 10:54
Thanks ladies! Re fresh eggs, how do I know they are when I get them from the supermarket? It was the organic ones that were making the mess. Freshness test! http://www.helpwithcooking.com/egg-guide/fresh-egg-test.html I get eggs from Greenheart, freshly laid and lovely. I can't believe how long the expiry dates are on most eggs here, yuck.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 10:50
It's great. My 6 year old has been a couple of times in the past couple of years and loves it. I've been this time of year and the temperature was fine, lots of flies though!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 10:47
I don't understand how you can blame a country your living in for marriage breakups. Surely it doesn't matter where you live if your marriage fails its gonna fail wether your in London USA or Dubai. I understand about the op not wanting to come here because of the law supporting the husbands though etc. But blaming Dubai is abit far fetched. It's not Dubai that breaks the marriage is yourselves that let money stress get Inbetween you. Which could happen in England or any other part of the world. Just my opinion on it. I think that it does matter where you live. Different places put different strains on a marriage that might not exist elsewhere. My brother's marriage was very rocky during the few years he and his family lived in Singapore. There was a real going out after work drinking social culture which he embraced and it put a huge strain on his marriage. His wife got understandably utterly fed up at being home with two small children while he was out (often under the guise of working) drinking then getting home late and drunk. Same with the weekends, social activities (dragon boating etc) always ended with drinking. They moved to Switzerland last year and their marriage is much happier. There isn't the same drinking culture (not within the people he works with/has met anyway) and weekend social things don't involve huge amounts of alcohol. My experience with marriage and Dubai seems to differ from opinions on here. Yes, the first few months were very stressful but in general it's good for us. Living here means we have a full time maid which for us relieves a lot of the pressure that goes with having young children. We get a lot more time enjoying ourselves as a couple as result, we regularly go out once the children are in bed, dinner, movies, concerts, events etc. It means we are often out enjoying ourselves and each others company, which we didn't have the option to do nearly as much when we didn't live here.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 07:18
I've read some great autobiographies and biographies this year. Top of the list is the Metallica bio, also really enjoyed Steven Tyler and Keith Richards autobios. The Bin Ladens was fantastic and I learnt a lot about Saudi.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 07:14
We spend lots of time (depending on the time of year) going to the pool, going to parks, eating out and hanging out in our garden. Birthday parties and weekend sport also keep us busy. Once the children are in bed my husband and I go to a lot of concerts.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 19:25
Thats what I am afraid of Anon, I have a sister and we simply dont see eye to eye and never have. It makes me afraid because I only have the two and if they dont get along....well thats just horrible isnt it? Is the blueprint for their sisterly bond decided early on and just somehow set, because of personalities and traits or is it something that can be positively influenced or guided? I think that you can make them be nicer to each other (when you are looking) but you can't force a bond if it's not there. I fought awfully with my brothers growing up but we were always very close despite that that and still are today. So your girls fighting doesn't necessarily mean they aren't/won't be close. I make a point with my children of telling them how important they are to each other and how they must always look after each other. Obviously it's sometimes necessary but I also don't encourage them to snitch on each other, I'd rather that they had a 'we're in this together' mentality.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 19:17
I stay out of it by leaving the room! I agree with Anon though, your 17 month old is probably a little to young to understand.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 19:10
Mine are 2,4 and 6 and I spend a lot of time refereeing! I figure it's good practice for holding their own in later life. They love each other get on really well in general but sometimes it does feel like non stop bickering. My policy is as long as they are all giving as good as they get and no-one is bleeding they can sort it out themselves...
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 17:04
A non bio detergent is best for babies. There are quite a few different brands, Persil definitely does one. If it's the first wash for clothes etc then cold will be fine. Once the baby is here I use a hotter temp if the clothes/bedding have vomit or poo on them - which they often do! How often you wash the bedding depends on your baby so I'd say as needed. With mine that sometimes meant 3 times a night if there was vomiting or leaking nappies issues! If the bedding was clean in the morning, I'd wash every 3 days or so. When you've got a new baby it often feels like the washing machine is never off, they create a lot of washing for someone so small.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 13:44
I like Cotton On Kids too. H&M also good. It depends a bit of the season but both tend to have nice bright colours which I love.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 13:25
Did the emergency room doctor tell you why she prescribed you antibiotics? Because they aren't going to help you if it's just SPD so unless she has tested you for, and confirmed, an infection then I'm not sure what use they would be. I'd insist on speaking to my ob/gyn if I were you. Even if she can't find an appointment for you then she should make the time to speak to you on the phone. At least then she can assess better if she needs to see you.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 09:34
Have you looked into the Honda Odyssey? I've personally experienced how family friendly that car is, even at full capacity...with 5 kids and 3 adults, there was still space all over! Sliding doors, awesome AC and safe! I second that, it's my next car purchase. 135k basic, 160k mid range, 180k top range.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 19:21
Some answers here: http://www.jlodubai.com/event-info.php Have fun!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 15:21
If I see women in hot pants and bikini tops at home I wouldn't look twice as when they waked out the door it is not into a society that cares, what they're wearing means nothing more than fashion or comfort. But when someone knowingly leaves the house wearing clothing they know will cause a reaction in the society, I assume "look at me, look at me". It's like those people who go out wearing every piece of jewelry they own so people will think they're somebody. Showing off gets tiring. And men do turn there heads easily here, so it's like ego boost arama in the malls. Good points AmyAus although I also think that there are plenty of women here who don't wear much simply because they don't stop to think, rather than they are showing off.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:57
I don't understand why so many people equate not wearing much to having no self respect or trying to attract attention. Nor do I understand the view of many in my home country that women who cover have no self respect and are oppressed by men. I do think you should respect the customs of the country you are in so in the UAE I cover up much more than when I'm in NZ. However when I'm in NZ I enjoy wearing strapless tops etc. It's certainly not because I leave my self respect on the plane or I'm flaunting myself.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:15
It's a bit off topic but on the subject of misuse of clothes, years ago I watched Mel B on MTV Cribs. At one stage she was top and tailing her baby....and wiped bum then face...with the same cloth. Ewwwwwwwww.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:12
I have small colour coded buckets, the buckets are abt 7dhs in Lulus or carrefour. Red bucket is for bathroom, contains red sponges, red cloths and the cleaning products for the bathroom. Blue bucket is my general bucket used for cleaning in 'rooms', blue cloths, all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner etc, Kitchen cleaning stuff lives in a small metal container by the sink. If I see a red cloth ANYWHERE other then a bathroom I know we need to do a refresher, lol I like your system Purple!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:07
I am now on my third child and they have all been growing well and I really never knew if they gained 200 grams or not. My DS is also 5 months old and he has not been weighed since his 4 month check-up. Why do you worry so much? Like you AnonDubai, I've never worried about weight gain with any of my three but that's probably because I've never had. It sounds like the OP's son has been unwell and I know when I've had friends with similar circumstances, weight gain (or lack of it) becomes more important. It's often used as an indicator if things are improving (or not). To answer the OP, I've always found that things become much easier once the horrors of sleep deprivation have lifted. I can cope with anything once I've left that awful twilight world of no sleep. What age it has happened has varied with each of my children.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 13:54
I'm usually cooking Italian type. Got lots of chicken or ground beef on hand. If it's ground beef you have, did you see my answer on the other thread you started on this? It's moved off the front page so you might have missed it. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=194212
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 10:21
I love Fisher and Paykel appliances. Our washing machine is over 5 years old with no problems and it gets a LOT of use. It's a top loader which I much prefer, easy to add any socks that got dropped on the way!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 10:12
Once a week I make a big pot of slow cooked ragu which I use one portion fresh then freeze two portions for other meals during the week. I use it for sauce over pasta, lasagna, filling for tacos or add kidney beans and chili to it and serve with rice. It has a long cooking time (3 hours) but very minimal time on feet making it. I add lots of vegetables to it but you can add less or more or different ones depending on what you like. You need a big heavy cast iron pot, Le Creuset or similar. I large packet of beef mince 1 onion 1-2 cloves of garlic 2-3 carrots 1/2 punnet mushrooms 2 courgettes 8 pellets of chopped frozen spinach 2 jars of pasta sauce or passata seasoning to taste Preheat oven to 140 celcius Finely chop onions and garlic, add with mince to large cast iron pot over a medium heat, Stir until brown, breaking up any lumps in the mince. Grate carrots, mushrooms and courgettes, stir in to mince mixture. Add the jars of pasta sauce or passata and seasoning, how much you use depends on how tomatoey you want it. Cover and bring to the boil then put in oven. Cook for two hours then add spinach pellets, stir, cover and return to oven for a further hour.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 09:41
Not another clothing thread :-( Indeed, yawn.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 22:09
You've obviously never known anyone to die young and tragically mrsb, lucky you.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 20:12
From your post it sounds like you will be interviewing on the phone? Between my accent and their accent I've always found phone interviews a disaster, can you arrange to do it in person?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:41
I've made both stuffing and cornbread with no milk or eggs and they worked out fine. So I can't be sure but this might mean that cornbread stuffing would be ok? When I make bake in the oven egg free stuffing I just reduce the amount of liquid in it or it can be a bit mushy. Maybe do a trial run in a smaller quantity than you are planning for Christmas.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:30
I've got no idea on the first part of your question but from what I heard on the radio this afternoon (by no means an official source I know!) then contents insurance is up to individuals.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 19:26
[b'>I am sorry if my spelling and grammars are not perfect, I did not get education for it, and did taught myself english[/b'>, I do admit I was writing my posts while having high rise emotional tsunami.... I guess this is my mistakes. No need to apologise for your spelling and grammar! By knowing a second language at all you are doing much better than me, I only know one language. I'm impressed that your English is self taught. I tried to learn Spanish once, disaster, I barely got beyond 'paella'. I'm glad that you are sorting through things and deciding what to do, good luck.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 18:18
I think that's English Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, so ages maybe 7 and 11? (I had to google it :) ) Sorry Irooni, I assumed it was another permutation of KG or FS and you were freaking out about assessments for a 4 year old!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 14:24
Hi I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through, Gorobattie. It sounds awful. Unfortunately I can't advise you as I have zero exp of employing maids. But I'd like to thank you for posting this as yet another reminder *not* to enter that minefield. Super Reds is right - they're simply not worth it. Good luck x Looking around my spotless house, with an empty washing basket, empty ironing board and the possibility of going out any evening I choose at the drop of a hat and without having to think about baby sitting.....I have to disagree with you. Totally worth it.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 14:12
I cannot believe anyone can perform well and perfectly recall information from 3 months ago, without revision. It could be just half an hour a night, but it is vital. I will never ever understand my school's policy about this! If your children are attending a school that knows what it is doing then the learning will be age appropriate as will the assessments.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 14:02
The best thing you can do to help is to stop worrying about it! I'm sure it differs from school to school but I've got children in Year 2 and KG2 and as yet we've never had to do anything at home for assessment week. At this age loading them up with revision is going to do more harm than good. Just relax and stop going crazy because the last thing you want to do when they are so young is to make your child feel pressured. My oldest has assessment week this week, no homework, yippee!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 08:44
I think DesertRose has it right again! You need to put it all out of your mind and move on. Don't cancel the absconding report. If you transfer her visa to another family not only are you passing a nightmare of a maid on to them, I guarantee when things don't go her way there she will come crying to you for help. You've wasted enough time and energy on this lady.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 08:34
Year One seems about right to me, so that's aged 5 or 6.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 16:43
So do I simplesabc. I'm not sure if it's law but in NZ police tell you not to brake or swerve for small animals on the road. With the amount of wild animals on the road (especially in rural areas) it's to prevent accidents. Well done to the OP for taking the cat the vet.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 15:45
Used to happen a lot at my old work.....in London! It paled in comparison to the phantom shower shi**er though, I don't think he/she was ever caught despite attempts to, ahem, flush them out.