DubaiCat | ExpatWoman.com
 

DubaiCat

DubaiCat
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:23
I went to Ikea today to get them, got to the check-outs and realised I'd forgotten them, schlepped all the way back to the curtain department and was told by some totally unhelpful and miserable idiot they'd run out. All I want is plain, simple, black metal hooks - the ones that look a bit like fish hooks - to hold back curtains. I live in Al Waha villas so ideally nothing any further than Safa Park interchange if possible. Thanks! :)
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:17
Ikea had Christmas cookie cutters, tins and glasses today :D. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 22/10/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:15
We're in Al Waha villas and had the same problem. DH said basically the kitchen fitters had fitted everything ever so slightly too low, so no model of dishwasher would fit. The maintenance guys had to chip off half of the marble border to get it to fit in. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 22/10/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 17:59
There is Smallprint here but I had a disappointing experience with them. I'm happy to share privately if you want to drop me a line on harpersdxb at gmail dot com, but don't want to slate them on here as I know plenty of friends have been happy with them. I think if you're clear about what you expect you should be fine.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 17:39
All the UK advice says to leave them in the rear facing as long as possible and even if the legs are not straight better that than a broken neck in a forward facing seat when the neck is not mature enough. However, a lot of my friends used the same one and insisted it was too small at around 8/9 months. The advice we received in the UK from John Lewis and Halfords was that the seat was too small when the eyes were level with the sides of the seat at the top. Does that tally with what you were told? All the advisors we spoke to said legs didn't matter, it was just if the top of their head poked out over the top of the seat and that would happen when their eyes were level with the sides.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 21:40
My Mum teaches so she can only come in school holidays, although - bless her - she did offer to retire and move over here for a couple of months! Dad is meant to be coming as he is retired, but we're not sure if he's well enough at the moment :(. I'm looking at a full-time maid/nanny from an agency but I know it'll cost an arm and a leg and I won't be getting anything like the care you've mentioned below. Business opportunity, anyone?! I'd go for this in seconds if it was available!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 20:51
Unrelated to your issue but I had log-in problems two Thursdays in a row and didn't hear back from anyone at EW until at least Sunday afternoon. I don't think they work weekends.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 20:46
I'm not sure, as the car coming along the road could be prompting the images in your head. The invasive images or invasive thoughts, as my doctor at home explained it, can be completely unrelated to anything going on visually around you and just appear in your head. But I'd imagine what you're describing is along the same lines, for sure. How normal it is I couldn't say! Having said all that, I did some shopping at Spinneys in the middle of the bad patch and pushed the trolley over under a tree before I lifted DS out of it. For a split second before I lifted him out, I had an image of someone leaving a baby in a trolley like that and driving off pop into my head. Then it made me wonder if that actually happened, how long it would take the baby to realise Mum wasn't coming back and how he or she would feel. I grabbed DS out of the trolley like someone was trying to steal him! Clearly that is NOT normal thoughts! But it was obviously prompted by me parking the trolley under the tree, so maybe that's the same kind of thing as you've described?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 20:04
Sounds like I want me one of these! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 20:03
I wish DH would get off his backside and finish making dinner. I'm hungry and getting cranky.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 19:58
LOL! Sounds like mine. If I'm not asked 5 times a day where's the location of his wallet, keys or some other obscure item I didn't even know he had...... And they'll swear blind the item is not where you say it is, because they can't see it for looking at it. I wish some things were remote controlled so you could make them pop up and smack the idiots upside the head.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 19:57
I thought it was good parenting to imagine every possible horror and then obsess over how to make it not happen. No? It's not necessarily just imagining the worst happening, more like having mini movies or images flash into your head with you having no control over when or what they are (and they're not nice). It does extend to almost obsessing over every possible horror, but it's not limited to this.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 18:14
Some days I wonder how mine ever survived alone. Which is ridiculous, because when he was on his own he was entirely self-sufficient. It's only since he's been with me he's reverted to a teenager.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 16:50
Stopped? No. I went through a bit of a bad patch a few weeks ago (disrupted sleep, panicking about new baby) and it was back with a vengeance. But now I'm on more of an even keel - if that's possible with a toddler and an enormous bump - it's faded a bit again. It seems to pop up whenever I'm under stress or am not getting enough sleep.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 16:43
I know a lady who had an Orbit system for sale but it was a while back. Let me email her and see if she still has it :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:45
I Skyped with my sister no problem. Sorry to hear your mum isn't well :(.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:43
We have the Ikea Antilop and it's brilliant. Lightweight, easy to clean and dirt cheap.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:17
It's still up for grabs so if anyone can think of someone in need of a free stroller - a proper big stroller the size of a Bugaboo, not an umbrella fold small one - please do let me know.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:15
When I was there last year I took my laptop and was able to connect to Du using pre-paid vouchers available at the pharmacy, yes.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 21:52
B*gger. I just looked it up online and it says from 4 years to 12 years, 15kgs and up. Group 2-3. Is your friend's son particularly large for his age?! [url=http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-seats/adventure'>link[/url'>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 21:50
I have one you can borrow - I think it's a Britax Adventurer or something like that. It sits on the seat and the seatbelt does up over it and the child. You're welcome to take a look and see if it's what you need and I won't need it back until the middle of December :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 21:16
I think it's Baby Steps but I didn't use them so I don't have contact info. Hopefully someone else will! :)
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 20:57
My old was the shoes that I originally bought for my first wedding - however that one was cancelled when I met my (now) husband - but what else was I going to do with a pair of cream satin shoes :) Good thing you didn't tell us that before the speeches :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 20:43
Now that would be the ideal solution :D. I wonder if we could train ourselves to do a 'When Harry Met Sally' without waking up?!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 20:40
Nope, but would an iCandy Apple do instead? :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 20:38
No experience of IUI to share but oh my, what an awful, awful thing to happen to you :(. I'm so sorry for your loss and I wish you the best of luck.x
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 11:42
When I looked last week for the MIL there were two showings in the daytime - 1pm and 1.30pm - and then they started at 6pm in the evening, going every half an hour. You might want to check on the Dubai Mall website to be sure, though.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 11:39
How many times have we heard completely different stories on here? And each story is from a high-up source, the big guy, the cannot-be-wrong top boss (via his EW mole)? Lots of official documents say one thing and the reality's different. All I'm saying is it's understandable that residents sometimes act on the edge of the law. If residents were suddenly stopped from drinking in bars I think we'd see a few sharp exits and some rather empty tills. This country chooses what it turns a blind eye to, so blaming expats isn't entirely fair. I'm not aware of anyone being let off for hiring an illegal maid. I am, however, aware of several people being let off for having booze in the back of their car courtesy of Barracuda, having had a few too many and stumbling home, living with a partner of the opposite gender without the necessary piece of paper and shiny metal ring. I'm not condoning any of these things, just saying there seems to be double standards between what's written and what's enforced. And that leads to confusion. ETA: And I've yet to hear someone say it's legal to hire someone else's maid part-time. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 20/10/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:49
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011 When you have a senior police officer quoted in the local paper saying they don't care if you live together as long as you're not Muslim and you're not being naughty in any other way, you can understand how it gets confusing ;). And re Barracuda and drinking in bars with a valid licence, there are many grey areas and you never get a straight answer from anyone official. Or if you do, you get a different straight answer from someone else.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:14
But they're knowingly putting themselves at risk so if they're caught, tough luck to them. It's the unknowing sponsor it's doubly unfair on.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:09
I don't get you - that's what I was saying! I don't know many people with a spare 100k handy in case their maid decides to earn some extra cash on the side, so people hiring illegal maids are putting the maid's sponsor massively at risk.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:51
Do you have the Entertainer Body book? There are a few good deals in there, including Angsana at the Springs Town Centre. 120 minute package, buy one get one free so it works out about 300-350 each. The book is 250 and valid until the end of March so you're still likely to get your money's worth.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:47
Mine has said he'd happily have three or four. I have told him if he's happy to carry them for nine months and then stay at home and look after them while earning his full salary out at work he's welcome to.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:45
Thank heavens it's not just me :). Good point re the poo thing. He has a fair bit of nappy off time and often wees on the floor (sounds like he's feral but I'm sure it can't be fun walking round in a nappy all day), and I make sure we never make a fuss about that, but we should probably lay off the 'dirty' thing when the nappy comes off. He also likes to take his used nappies to the bin, but mainly so he can try and play with the lid! I was thinking of getting him one of those sand and water play station things so he can have a good old muck around with that and get nice and grubby!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:39
Of course its not worth it: but does one maid working for another employer affect society so badly ? i think someone driving recklessly is harming society much more than a maid working part time.... No, it doesn't affect society so badly at all and I agree with you. I think the whole thing is ridiculous - surely there's some way families could share the cost of full-time maids if they don't actually need full-time, and this might also stop agencies abusing their staff with excessive hours and pathetically low pay. However, it's just the way it is so we have to suck it up :(. I loathe paying an agency 30dhs an hour when the lady who actually does the job gets a tiny percentage of the money, when I could pay someone else's maid the same and know she gets the whole amount (or even know the sponsor gets a small percentage and she gets most of it). So, we'll be looking into the full-time/live-in route next year. In a way, I guess it is like driving recklessly on the roads. You're driving recklessly and you don't care who else you put at risk. You hire an illegal maid and you clearly don't care that her sponsor could be financially ruined by this. OK, so the maid thing might not kill anyone, but it could ruin lives from a financial point of view.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:27
Very shocked about all of this, but here I am on this thread... Who else is joining me? Wow - how are you feeling about it all? Many congratulations if it's news you wanted.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:26
There's always a turkey baster :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:25
I hate Dubai Mall with a passion but all the maternity stores are in the same area, so you don't have to go that far. Now, if you could just work out the best place to park and actually find it, it wouldn't be so bad!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:24
Sorry to threadjack but can I ask why your doctor doesn't recommend City any more? I'm due to deliver there in a few weeks and it would be useful to know of any potential issues in advance. Thanks :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:22
That's good to know - some days I feel like I'm constantly saying 'no' and it gets me absolutely nowhere. I do literally have to go and take him away from whatever he's doing or he simply won't listen or leave it alone. He's just over 16 months... reckon he'll miraculously listen in six weeks? :D My other concern at the moment is that his main word is 'dirty'. I've told him the bin is dirty, his used nappies are dirty, the dog food bowl is dirty, the cat litter tray is dirty... so now all he says is 'dirty'. I'm a little concerned I come across as rather OCD on the cleanliness front, which is far from the truth! Am I going to make him obsessive?!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 21:22
Somebody on here recommended it when I was trying to shed the last few baby kilos. It's brilliant!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 21:16
Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred :D. One of my favourite topics on EW but seriously, it's great for people like me who a) lack motivation, b) lack time and c) spend the entire session swearing like a trooper at that skinny b1tch on TV shouting at me to give her some effort. It takes 30 minutes out of your day and that includes getting changed beforehand and getting a quick shower afterwards. Job done. You can download it on www.exercisetv.tv.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 21:12
If I could remember the momentous occasion, I'd let you know! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 20:15
I went into the Hershey's store at Dubai Mall to sort out my PB Cups fix. One of the staff came over and handed DS a mini cup. Then asked if he was allergic to peanuts. Bit late when he's got the wrapper half off, love!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 20:01
And I just tried to edit to say 'single figure' rent cap, as in one figure for all increases, but that blasted banner won't let me. Anyway I gather I made sense!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 20:00
I am looking forward to that new baby milk breath smell, that's for sure! Not so sure I'll remember what to do with a newborn, though!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:53
Are there standalone villas there now? When I looked back in June there were only townhouses. Grrr!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:51
Might it be an idea to go down to RERA with a copy of the rental agreement so you sit down with someone, go through the contract and hopefully get a clearer picture? I've found that if I call the land department, I usually spend ages on the phone with no result but when I've been down there and wasted - sorry, spent - a couple of hours of my time tracking down the right person to speak to and making sure I have their full attention (with the prerequisite interruptions) for a short while far more productive.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:47
My mistake - I was reading a piece suggesting there would be no rent cap for 2011 but it meant no fixed figure as in previous years. Apologies :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 19:43
Thanks, that's super info. I'm so sorry to hear of your situation :(. And thank you for taking the time to post when it's probably very painful for you, I really do appreciate it.x
 
 
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