Frazzled | ExpatWoman.com
 

Frazzled

Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 17:09
Does anyone know whether there are any archery classes for children running in Dubai? Thanks.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 10:54
An elderly relative is coming out to vist for a few weeks and I need some ideas for getting him out of the house either with or wihtout my lively children!! He has very limitied mobility - walks with a stick and can't do stairs - and has been here a number of times over the past 20 years. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 15:08
I think he could start fencing lessons here from age 6. You could also get him gloves and a punchbag to use at home.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 10:59
Let me know if you find one please. I've been looking for one for ages. The only person I know with one had hers specially made.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 15:45
The lock on my wooden cabinet won't open - the key won't go all the way in - and I've got my best china in there! I've tried swapping the key round with identical keys from the other compartments but no luck, although they key does open the other compartments, which proves it's definitely the lock that's the problem. I don't want to damage the cabinet or the contents by trying to force the lock. Is there a company which can help with this?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 11:04
Lucky you!!! Safari? South Africa? Morrocco? (don't know about weather there) India? Sri Lanka?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 09:09
Have you checked the expiry date on the card? If it's expired it must be a scam.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 12:11
If you've got a parcel you need to head for a proper post office. I think there's one near MOE but don't quote me on that.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 12:06
Postbox outside AR shopping centre for cards and letters - stamps at kiosk inside. Otherwise MOE Customer Service outside Carrefour where they weigh it.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 20:11
Has anyone found a brand of aluminium-free deodorant for men? If so, where can I find it? Nivea do one for women but not men and I'm in search of a non-girly one for my son!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 12:49
I know it's boring but I'm still struggling! Anyone???
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 09:07
Our friends will be staying at the RAK Hilton next week and we're keen to meet up with them for the day, probably on the Friday of (or is it just before?) Eid. It's their first time in the UAE and one of them is a wheelchair-user. Any suggestions on wheelchair-friendly venues or trips suitable for adults and children? I'm happy to go and eat somewhere nice or consider something more active or touristy.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 08:42
Etisalat told me they can supply a booster to help 3G mobile reception but only if you have an Etisalat landline - it's not compatible with Du landlines. I don't know whether Du have the same thing compatible with their mobiles or even with Etisalat mobiles.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 08:38
Anyone? Please?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 12:08
My husband has decided we need to spend Christmas in the UK with his recently bereaved father, who has very limited mobility, cannot climb stairs and cannot fly anywhere . Unfortunately nobody in our family has enough room to put all of us up, so last year we spent lots of money on a self-catering place in the Cotswolds and had a complete nightmare because it was so inaccessible due to snow and the heating was ineffective. More snow is predicted this year and I really don't want to have the same problem again. Anywhere we go needs to have a ground floor bedroom and bathroom or effective lifts and if a hotel, must have interconnecting rooms for my 3 very lively children. I also need to be able to drive to it from the Bath area if it snows! Any suggestions/recommendations gratefully appreciated.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 12:08
Shame on them.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2011 - 12:35
Sue 62, I agree with you about the privacy issue, which is why I don't go in there and neither does anyone else. Unfortunately, the backpack is ridiculously heavy and could lead to back problems if he keeps it like this for the next few years, and his textbooks and homework are getting ripped and crumpled already. He loses the homework he's done, leaves stuff at home etc. because he's not taking responsibility for ensuring he has what he needs in there. He also has a teenage tantrum when he can't find the homework he has to do (usually because it's got lost inside something else) and makes it unpleasant for the rest of us (who he blames for taking it), which I could do without every weeknight. I wish I could leave it to him to suffer and the teachers to sort out, but so far, there hasn't been any feedback from the school on it.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 11:37
Yes Ashes, he's just started secondary school and the backpack has become more of an issue than previously, as I need him to take ownership of it and have banned anyone else from touching it. The contents have been over my kitchen floor several times and it's all relevant stuff, just not stuff he needs to take home. I've tried the desk and room conversations several times and have seen only minor and temporary improvements. I'd hoped to start with the backpack as an area he could easily control rather than getting overwhelmed by keeping a whole room tidy and then try to spread the good work. I think we may have to go down the route of serious consequences, unfortunately, as reason and patience haven't produced the desired results yet. I'm so fed up of always threatening to punish or take things away though!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 11:11
If you haven't been there yet, try the British Institute of Learning & Development near Um Suqueim Spinneys, tel. 04 349 5907. They deal with a whole range of issues on the spectrum, both assessment and treatment. I'm not sure whether they do IQ tests but there is an initial meeting comprising a screening questionnaire and discussion with the parent before the child goes in for assessment tests selected on the basis of that meeting. My son was diagnosed with dyspraxia and sensory issues and did a variety of tests during the 2 years of therapy he attended there. Everyone has seen huge improvements in him as a result. Of course, there is the Dubai Autism Centre, who must do assessments, but I don't have any experience or information on that. Good luck in finding the help you need for your boys.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 10:54
Still can't get Etisalat mobile coverage inside my house in the Ranches. Does anyone know whether you can change from Etisalat to Du if you've bought the phone here and it's always been on Etisalat? If you've done this, what is the process?We have du for landline and internet, so I'm assuming there must be du mobile coverage. Thanks for your help.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:11
My son's gleaming white school shirts are already covered in blue biro and ink stains, as well as yellowish suncream stains on the collar. Nothing I've tried seems to work so far and I really don't want to have to bleach his shirts after every wash. Can you please help me????
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 12:32
Our UK dentist has advised my 11 year old to see an othodontist in Dubai. Friends have recommended Dr Tosun at the British Dental Clinic and Dr. Laeticia Nassif at Jumeira Beach Dental Center. Does anyone have experience of either orthodontist and would you recommend him/her? Treatment costs seem to vary a lot here, so what would you say is reasonable? Thanks for your help!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 10:11
For an educational psychologist you could try Fiona at the British Institute of Learning & Development near Spinneys, Umm Suqeim 2. They can test for all sorts of learning difficulties too and provide therapy for various conditions. Their number is 3945907. My son had therapy there for dyspraxia and related issues (including behaviour) over 2 years and has improved tremendously. I hope your daughter finds the help she needs.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 12:03
bump
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 18:47
Just cooked Muurtje's Hamburger Casserole - and it's delicious! Nobody noticed the celery and one child eats the courgettes without complaining, so we'll definitely have it again. Thanks Muurtje!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 18:35
bump
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 10:34
I keep meaning to stock up on family meals that I can freeze and produce at short notice when I can't force myself to cook. Unfortunately 2 of my kids are fussy eaters, which means they won't touch anything spicy like curries or chilli, which means it's just bolognaise sauce so far. I'd be grateful for any suggestions to brighten things up a bit!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 10:26
I'm thinking about getting a slow cooker but don't know what features I need to look for. Is it used for the same things as a pressure cooker? I don't have one of those either but wonder whether I should have. If you have either of these, would you recommend your brand?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 10:15
I'm looking for somewhere for a relaxing breakfast with the girls probably in one of the hotels near Madinat or that general area. Needs to be open from 8am, as I won't want to wait! Any recommendations?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 10:44
Thanks Estelle, I'll try there.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 13:07
Thanks for your responses. I'm hoping it's the loose tooth thing, because he still has some of his baby teeth and it's a fairly recent development. Will definitely check it out with the dentist.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 13:10
Had a problem with Russia last year but I don't know whether it is banned. I checked with Lloyds before going to Turkey this month and was told it was banned due to high levels of fraud. There's a discount for paying in cash for hotels and tours in Turkey, so it makes sense to avoid using your visa if possible. Tough not to be able to use the cash machines though.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 12:00
VP that sounds terrible. Glad you dealt with it appropriately. A Rancher - no to taxis! At traffic lights in Dubai Marina at night I saw 2 taxi drivers in the front of one taxi, with 2 young women in arabic dress behind and the guy in the passenger seat kept twisting round to touch the woman behind him on the face. She kept trying to avoid him. Her friend was sitting with her chatting unconcernedly on the mobile, the car was stationary and they could have got out themselves, if they had wanted to, otherwise I would have tried to intervene. I'm sure you would not feel comfortable with your teenage daughter being alone in that position, day or night.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 11:47
Have 2 middle names! There are so many decisions you and your husband will have to compromise on while your beautiful girl grows up.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 11:41
It does happen with boys! I've had to insist that all the boys in a class be invited rather than leave one disliked boy out on several occasions and it's a useful process for the birthday boy to go through. I've also had to apologise twice to mums whose kids I've accidentally not invited, in both cases because the didn't receive the invitation either manually, or via incorrect email addresses. If you don't have a response from someone, despite several communications/reminders, what can you do? Especially in Dubai where there are always mums who can't be bothered to reply in case something better comes up! Please don't automatically assume the mum is at fault. However, if she's being excluded from other things at school, then it's time to start making notes of any negative behaviour she's experiencing and talk to the class teacher as well as arranging lots of playdates with classmates. Your daughter sounds lovely and a pleasure for other children to be around. <em>edited by Frazzled on 10/04/2011</em>
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 12:41
Don't forget you need to have a visa to set foot on Russian soil, and you can't wait until you get there to organise one. In St Petersburg, our parents weren't allowed off the boat in the afternoon to post cards in the postbox visible just the other side of passport control because their visa only covered the organised morning excursion.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:27
Depends how you like your holiday. If you want to see highlights of major capital cities in a short time, yes. Or you can see them in more depth by booking several trips to different capitals over 5 years. We did a Baltic cruise with the kids and grandparents in July and had a great time (culture stops & kids club = perfect combination). Some places we'd definitely go back to and do in greater depth, others we enjoyed but don't feel the need to. The sea was calm all the time, but I know that isn't everyone's experience. If you do go, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:50
I didn't know that jewellsmiddle. For me, slippers mean soft footwear to be used indoors. You're right, they don't normally put widths on them but they're always too narrow for my boys. <em>edited by Frazzled on 31/03/2011</em>
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:48
Thanks for the great ideas! I haven't heard of mini monsters though - what/where is it?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:46
Apparently Charterhouse is one of those schools which practically empties most weekends as lots of pupils live in London or nearby. If your child is there on the weekends, he/ she could get pretty lonely. Some schools organise lots to do on weekends but not all of them do, so it's something to watch out for when choosing one.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 08:20
I've never been able to find any in Dubai. My boys are all H fitting and Clarks only go up to F, so they are barefoot in the house which does them no good at all. They are in UK Adult sizes 1 - 6, which is up to 40 Europe fitting. Any suggestions?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 08:17
Whoops, thought I had mentioned the kids' ages - they are 3 and 5. Thanks for all the suggestions so far, please keep them coming!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 16:24
They did call back, so it does work!
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 15:42
Thanks Belharv. Unfortunately, I keep calling the emergency number but it's switched off! How frustrating is that???
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 14:15
bump
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 13:49
Suggest you look at the schools websites - I know Dubai College has leavers destinations on theirs.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 13:36
I've just hurt my back and it's very painful to move. Does anyone know of an osteopath I can phone to make a house call immediately??
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 12:36
I picked up all my stuff from Daiso and Park & Shop this year.
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 11:21
We booked a fairly expensive week in a big, old, self-catering house, over Christmas in the UK, during all that snow. The place was nice but bitterly cold inside all the time, because the heating was inadequate, to the extent that we had the curtains closed during the day to keep the heat in. Some of our guests left early to go back to their own houses where it was warmer and we cut short our stay by 3 days. Some of the appliances didn't work either. We were not able to contact the agency we booked it through during our stay because they were out of the office for the Christmas break and there was no emergency contact number left. I have complained in detail to the agency who has contacted the owner who basically says nothing is her fault and refuses to compensate in any way. The agency has not mentioned their part in it either, just forwards me the owner's unhelpful emails to comment on. I'm getting increasingly annoyed that neither of them is admitting any liability and just hoping that I will go away quietly. It's not worth my wasting time or money on threatening legal action but neither the owner nor the agency should get away with this level of service. What should I do next?
Frazzled
260
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 09:39
I see little enough of him with just one job!
 
 
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