Frazzle | ExpatWoman.com
 

Frazzle

Frazzle
102
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Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 22:10
JHI - have you had any further info on this? I'm also concerned about the 6 months wait as we're due to arrive in September & I've already registered my 2 children at nurseries. I've have been told that they can't start until they have their RP's so does that mean they can't start until march next year? I flipping hope not - 6 months with them at home all day will drive me bonkers ;) I'm wondering if I'm better off staying here in Dubai & letting DH commute until its sorted.....
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 21:31
We're moving over from Dubai in September so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread as there are some very helpful tips. Thanks! :) Norah-we went over or a look see in march and did just turn up to compounds for a look. It seems that a lot of the big ones have on site offices you can go to for info an if there are any vacant properties, you can have a look. Do you have children? Do you need info on schools / nurseries? Shellsuk & northernstar - are you happy so far? I'm really nervous about the move as I love it here and have 2 little ones to worry about too.. also, have you been brave enough to drive yet? :O
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 22:54
Good idea - ill email now, thanks!
Frazzle
102
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 20:22
Hi Tavola have a car cupcake set that has a road wrapper with car & traffic light pictures on cocktail sticks to stick in the top. Not racing cars, but very cute! http://sh1ft.org/babyblog/index.php/2011/04/wilton-cupcake-wrappers-at-baking-pleasures/
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:34
You have no idea how much better I feel now - thanks! I'm no longer convinced that we're all going to die the minute I get behind the wheel ;) Don't get me wrong, I'm still scared just not as much.... Incidentally - is it worth getting a sat nav or is Doha like Dubai, where roads literally change overnight?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:31
Hi lalala. Thanks for your reply. The reason is the latter - I didn't realise that it wouldn't matter once they get to school or in the assessment process so now I'm open to all suggestions. DS is in a British nursery now so although I think this would be my preference, I would choose an American / Australian nursery (for example) if it were a better nursery. The main thing is to get them in somewhere good and quick! Thanks for your help (again) :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:25
Thank you for your replies! I'm actually very keen on West Bay Lagoons, but DH is swaying towards Al Rayyan (his company are prepared to do a corporate lease). Having said that, I haven't seen Al Rayyan (he has) so I guess it would make sense to view something before we make a decision, but the location of WB is definitely something I'd like very much. And so would our visitors ;) Thanks again
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 19:43
Medcare has an emergency room & that's closer than American or City
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 21:57
Thanks for your replies - very helpful!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 09:56
My 2.5 yr old has started doing this and I've been reassured by our GP that it's just something they do. She said that as he will focus on you and not blink, it's not a tic so we're just ignoring it. He does say 'I'm blinking!' so he knows he's doing it and I'm hoping it just because he can, rather than anything sinister... Go to you GP for peace of mind, but I think it's very common at this age...
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 09:52
I have one of these (a Moulinex one) and its ok, but I'd MUCH rather have a proper stand mixer (such as a Kitchen Aid). If you are going to use it occasionally, then this will do (not or pastry etc though) but if you'll use it a lot, I'd go for something better
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 12:05
Thanks of your replies. I had actually ordered the dr oetker flowers so if I can get them, that would be brill. Otherwise I'll head to Dubai mall later Thanks again!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 21:01
Congratulations on your pregnancy . And twins too? Wow! I had both my children at Medcare and the first experience wasn't great, but when I fell pregnant again, I thought "better the devil you know etc" so went back. I totally regret it! The after care was terrible & I could not wait to get home. I had csections both times btw. I am 100% NOT going back there with number 3... I know every experience is different but having spoken to a few people lately about Medcare, it seems as if they have gone really downhill. On the flip side, every single person I know who delivered at City said it was great. Do a search on here for both hospitals as ere are a number of posts about both HTH & good luck!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 19:51
Congratulations! I just wanted to give a bit of reassurance and say the same thing happened to me in 2010. I miscarried @ 8 weeks and I was pregnant again the next month. The second pregnancy was a dream & my LO will be 1 next month so try not to worry. I've heard the 2nd babies referred to as "rainbow babies" so, think positive thoughts and y'all be meeting your little rainbow baby soon :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 13:51
Hi You can get them in Just Kidding & Toys R Us HTH
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 19:54
Aren't those stalls the Covent Garden Market from JBR? I think they move to Ibn Battuta when it's too hot, so try JBR. HTH
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 09:00
I am using wi-fi and have deleted & re-installed twice. I've even downloaded it to Dh's laptop and we still have the same problem. It's infuriating! Everyone seems to be playing it but me, lol,. Oh well, I'm going to email the developers now. Yes, I am that desperate! (and I paid .69p!)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 22:58
I've been trying to play this for a week now but can't get past the 'getting ready' stage. Is anyone else having this problem? I'm dying to play it :(
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 22:54
Ember at the Address Marina has a nice Saturday brunch with play area & bouncy castle. We've been a few times & really like it. It's small, but the food is good <em>edited by Frazzle on 25/03/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 20:35
Hi Deb & Chezza. Thanks for your replies. I will check out both nurseries ASAP. My son turns 3 in September so wouldn't be going to school until 2013 so I'm looking or somewhere that can take him now and keep him on if he doesn't get into a school next year. Is that possible? Tina - have you had any luck yet? It's stressful isn't it. I don't know what will happen if he doesn't get into a school?! Where are you moving from? Good luck with the move & getting your son into school! Thanks again! Edited for terrible spelling... <em>edited by Frazzle on 25/03/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 21:35
Hi ladies I was wondering if any of the nurseries in Doha offer reception and the next year up (pre-school is it? Here in Dubai it's FS1 & FS2) Im worried about what will happen if we do move over to Doha and he doesn't get a place in school with a British curriculum. What would other options be? Also, if you have any recommendations for nurseries in or around the West Bay area or around Al Rayyan compound (where we'd likely live) I would be very grateful! Thanks again for your help!!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 10:23
Hi ladies. We went to Doha last week for a day (DH went for 2) and looked at a couple of schools (neither of which we'll have a chance of getting in apparently) and housing. We had arranged for an agent to show us around villas in different areas and had told him specifically what we wanted a week in advance. He showed us a grand total of one villa and that was in an empty compound with unfinished facilities and then said "great, now I know what you want I'll look for some places to show you in a few days". So he was as much help as a chocolate tea pot! Anyway, thanks to your great responses & suggestions we just went to compounds and that was definitely worth it, so thanks for that! Al Messilah hasn't had any 4 bed villas available for years apparently, but the compound looked great Al Jazi was really good. The villas were slightly older but the one we saw had been refurbished so was actually rather nice. Facilities etc were good too Al Rayyan was lovely! They want us to sign for a min of 3 years and on a corporate lease but that shouldn't be a problem We also looked at the Lagoons as well which we liked, so all in all, housing looked very promising and I feel a whole lot better about it. My children might not be able to go to school but at least they'll have a nice house ;) Now, I just need to worry about not knowing my way around, bad driving (not mine. Well maybe mine...) and having no friends lol Thanks again for your help - you've been really helpful!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 14:25
Thanks Amy - that's a great help! I'm hoping that DH's work will fork out or a driver for the day (may as well get what we can :) ) so we might just turn up at those 2 compounds, as you said. How long have you been in Doha?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 21:15
Thanks for your replies. Lalala - my children are still babies so it'll be a while till they start. We have the nightmare of finding nurseries first lol My head is spinning with information at the moment. It's difficult because I don't know Doha at all so have no idea where to start looking for a potential area to live, a nursery etc. Do we look to live near a good school and choose a nursery nearby or do we look or a good nursery then move if we have to later for schools? Honestly - its a mine field! ;) We're hopefully coming for a reccie in the next week or 2 and I'm hoping that everything will seem less scary after that... Thanks again <em>edited by Frazzle on 11/02/2012</em>
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 21:08
Thanks for your replies. I appreciate it! I'm sure whatever happens, it'll be great and anyway it's got to be better than going home! ;) Thanks again
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 21:05
Sorry to hijack but where is the al barsha Park & Shop Kelly?
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 20:58
We bought a plastic cover from Ace last week. Its not going o protect it from the heat but it will keep it clean whilst not in use
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 20:56
I saw the Yeo Valley yoghurt tubes in Choithram (Al Manara) this morning
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 14:18
If so, how are you finding it? I've looked on at past posts in various forums and frankly, it seems that very few people have many positive comments about it. The one thing positive is that the people are nicer, so that's a start ;) Anyway, we've been here for 3 years and I love it so am very worried about making the leap and regretting it and not being able to settle there. I am out and about with my children all the time as there is plenty to do her and driving is easy (well, you know what I mean...) so getting around is simple and I'm scared that I'll be stuck indoors with them as I've also read that driving is bad. Is it that all the people who love Doha are too busy having fun to post good things on forums? Please someone tell me something good! I'm not feeling very positive about our potential move at all :(
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 14:59
I had mine one at the fetal medicine clinic in healthcare city http://www.my-baby.net/. Can't remember how much but around 1,200 for scan plus cd. Worth it to see my bubs though (who, incidentally looked nothing like she did on the scan lol)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 13:13
Thank you so much for your replies! Lalala - thanks for all the info and especially the link to dohamums. It's quite a relief to know there is a mum's scene in Doha as I had visions of having to spend my time alone with the kids argh! ;) Wink - that's very kind of you, thank you. If we do move over, it won't be till June so will more than likely miss your coffee morning, but hope it goes well. Mrs Wolf - I would love to get together. As I said, probably won't be there till June time but will keep in touch in the meantime. How are you feeling about moving there? Good luck with your move. Chameleon - I've read about starfish lane somewhere so great to have a recommendation. DS is at a great nursery now and am a bit worried that he won't get into a school in Doha.... I guess I won't know till I'm there though. Are you in Dubai now? My next question is, where is good to live? I'm in a compound now but don't mind stand alone if we need too. Would like to be near other families & parks / facilities so where should I start looking? Thanks again!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 22:59
Oh, one more thing. Bills - is it expensive to live there? For those of you who have loved in Dubai, how would ou compare your monthly bills to DEWA? Thanks again
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 22:38
Oh, that's good to know. Thanks
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 22:13
I used her twice and can't recommend her enough. However, the last I heard, she was still in SA with visa problems so if you haven't already, it might be worth emailin her yahoo account to find out more
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 21:28
I use a 1 tog all year round. My DD is in a babygro & DS in pj's (long for winter & shorts for summer). They never wake up and seem warm enough (from touching their necks). I'm so paranoid about over heating that I err on the side of caution and use a lower tog HTH
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 21:17
We take our 2 there regularly and it's fine - they love it! Eldest is 2 so I don't let him go off alone, unless it's into the toddler area as I wouldn't expect the staff to watch out for him to be honest. There was one time (at band camp..) where there were lots of older kids in the toddler section and I did tell a member of staff and he cleared them out, no problem. There is no stair gate at the bottom of one set of stairs but my son doesn't go near there so I'm not too worried (and I'm watching him). The worst he does is help himself to a Barney juice everytime he goes and comes back with an empty carton, knowing I can do nothing about it! Just FYI, I think the earlier posts about safety were done when it first opened and yes, there were a LOT of issues then (I went in the first week) but I think they have resolved most of them now & I'm happy to take my kids there as they really enjoy it (and I get to have a cuppa!)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 21:05
Are you looking for a proper dance class or "wheels on the bus" type? If the latter, Mini Monsters have a Toddler Move & Groove class which is dancing to songs like Hokey Cokey etc. It's for 30 mins & you get an hour free play too.
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 21:00
I have a City Select and there are good and bad points about it. I bought it 'unseen' as I just "had to have it!" but I wish I'd actually given it a test run first. (at over £800, I wouldn't tell my DH this of course!) Don't get me wrong, I do like it but it's really heavy, takes up so much room in the boot and isn't quick to put up & down. My eldest goes in the front and if I need to go up a kirb I have to REALLY put my weight behind it to get it up so probably not ideal for a petit lady. Having said that, I'm not sure what I would have got if not the City Select and I think none of them are exactly right. The basket is a great size though and as previously mentioned, if I haven't put the second seat on, my son will happily sit in the bottom looking very pleased with himself!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 20:54
My son is the same. The other day he proudly pointed his finger in my face to show me he had poop on it, the filthy child :\: He's also 2 but has been doing it for some time now and I'm praying he'll stop soon... I think it's just something they're fascintated with. Unfortuately!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 21:23
That's great - thanks for the info
Frazzle
102
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 21:16
Thank you. I'll give them a call!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 14:41
So if it's dry the day before, does that mean the 25th is dry? I hope not as have a night out planned! :)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 14:40
I'm moving and have lots of clothes & toys that are in good condition and was wondering if I can donate them somewhere? Have heard that those clothes drop boxes just get sold and don't actually go to the need so would like them to go where they are needed.. Also, are you allowed to do 'garage sales' here or how easy is it to get a pitch at the flea market in Safa Park? TIA
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 12:04
Thanks very much. I had also only heard of apple cider vinegar too, but a recipe was calling for "cider vinegar" so just wanted to check. Had no idea about the different types so that's very helpful. Thank you both!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 11:30
Is cider vinegar the same as apple cider vinegar? If not, does anyone know where I can get it? Also, do you know if I can get red wine vinegar / champagne vinegar in MMI or similar? TIA
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 20:14
Thanks for your responses Do you ladies live there then? How do you find it? We're in the Marina at the moment and are looking at possibly moving there. We went last year to have a look but it was only half landscaped etc so stayed where we were. We then looked again a couple of weeks ago and although it still doesn't appear to have any communal facilites, it did seem more "lived in" and less of a ghost town and I noticed a little play park as well, so we might give it a try. Where we are we don't have any issues with deliveries / taxis etc so was a just a bit worried that no-one would deliver there etc or that we'd feel a bit isolated.. Any feed back would be great Thanks!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:08
I'm sure there is lots to do but I'm also wondering the same. I have a 4mo and would like to do more than malls, but in this weather it's difficult. When it cools down, Al Ain Zoo, Wild Wadi etc are great but for now, I just can't think... I hope someone else can give some ideas
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:06
Hi ladies Just a quick question about The Villa. Is the only way in and out via Emirates Road or can you get in from the Al Ain Road? I've had a look at a map and it [i'>looks[/i'> like you should be able to do the latter but I'm wondering whether that's a work in progress kind of thing? Also, I know it's quick to get to DIFC & Dubai Mall etc, but what about the other way (MOE etc)? Form what I can see, you have to head towards Dubai then do a Uturn to head back to MOE. Would that be the case? TIA!
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 21:38
I've had the same (agency) maid since May last year and am very happy with her - she's brilliant! Anyway, she's babysits sometimes, for which we pay way more than we would normally. We tipped her 500aed at xmas and I was going to leave an Easter Egg + tip for her this week but it got me wondering whether I should leave her tips occasionally? What do you do? It's probably not relevant, but she does 2 x 4hrs p/week (although she is always early and sometimes stays a bit later to finish up)
Frazzle
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 22:34
Does anyone knoe where I can get a large pin board (cork board?)? I can't find one anywhere... TIA
 
 
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