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giantpanda

giantpanda
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Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 22:55
LaDiDa I feel for you as I am going through something similar with my little girl who has just turned one :-( I still don't know if I am doing the right thing but I will give it a chance and see how things work out. Meanwhile I am worried she will be mentally scarred for life by this experience! At least it is distracting me from the horror of going back to work ;-) Good luck to you and your boy. Aww. It's tough isn't it? At least you have a reason to send yours (work). I'm a stay at home mum! I know there are some nurseries who have CCTV cameras and you can log in during the day to see how they're doing. I know it will be tough for the first few days. One mum told me that it won't be easy until the first month is over - waaaaah. Good luck to you also, work will help make the hours go by faster. Is your office close to her nursery? Nursery is close to home rather than work. When is your son's first day? I am leaving my daughter there on her own for the first time tomorrow.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 22:07
LaDiDa I feel for you as I am going through something similar with my little girl who has just turned one :-( I still don't know if I am doing the right thing but I will give it a chance and see how things work out. Meanwhile I am worried she will be mentally scarred for life by this experience! At least it is distracting me from the horror of going back to work ;-) Good luck to you and your boy.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 13:34
MKZ - it's roughly opposite the Lofts (if you know Downtown), but on the inside of the Boulevard, facing onto Burj Park. Polly - I can't wait either. It's going to be amazing to have that right on our doorstep :)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 24 March 2015 - 21:40
The opera house is actually the large building under construction on the other side of the lake/park! Maybe it's something to do with the construction of the Dubai Mall extension which is being built at the moment? That would make more sense.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 24 March 2015 - 21:26
I asked one of the security guards today and he said it was for the Emaar staff party :-)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 21 March 2015 - 21:30
Don't panic, you're only 30, so even if you (and your partner!) have a change of heart, there is still time. Plenty of women are now giving birth in their 40s. I wasn't sure whether I wanted children at your age and didn't start trying to conceive until I was 35. I still wasn't 100% sure, but I felt like it was a now or never moment (you'll hear horror stories about how your fertility plummets after the age of 35 which I think aren't necessarily true). If you want to keep your options open it might be worth having a check up just to make sure there aren't any problems that might stop you conceiving if you decide you want to in the future. PS I'm with Stix - I'm so glad we did it :)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 19:40
I can recommend the class run by Amy at Love Parenting UAE (at Horizon Nursery in um Suqeim area). https://www.facebook.com/loveparentinguae Great opportunity to meet other mums :-)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 10 December 2014 - 19:18
Boba carriers (the stretchy wrap and the structured carrier) are available online here from both Babysouk.com and Luxelittle.com. The Boba structured carrier (called Boba 4g) can be used from birth with the integrated insert. I believe the Ergo newborn insert must be purchased separately. As BellaUK says, front facing positions are generally not recommended. There is a FB group called Dubai Babywearing that holds regular meet ups where they show you the different types of carrier and you can even try them out :-) Personally I liked the Boba stretchy wrap type for the first few months (although it's a bit of a pain to get on), and then moved onto the Boba 4g carrier.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 17:36
I think OSN is showing the latest season of Downton at the moment. Otherwise get a VPN and watch BBC iplayer and ITV equivalent online.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 18:08
My little one has seen Naomi at Up and Running on Al Wasl Rd. She is lovely, but possibly also quite booked up! <em>edited by giantpanda on 25/09/2014</em>
giantpanda
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Latest post on 24 July 2014 - 19:34
Ah thanks for clarifying. Agree with you it's a bit weird to dress in clothes first though anyway. Congratulations again!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 24 July 2014 - 15:42
Hi CG9, Congratulations on your new arrival :-) I'm due to deliver at City in August also. Your experience of the nurses wanting to dress your baby straight after birth does worry me. I've always been told that skin to skin contact straight after birth is very important as it produces hormones that help with breast feeding. I would have thought that this was standard practice. Guess I need to be prepared to be firm about what I want! Also good luck to everyone for their upcoming deliveries and sympathies to those suffering in the heat. I'm finding the last few weeks tough!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 19:28
I'm going to take my parents to this at Manarat al Saadiyat in AD. Might be a bit tame for your mother though! If you do go, check Ramadan opening hours. http://www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae/en/cultural-programme/exhibitions/A-History-of-the-World-in-100-Objects/
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 14 July 2014 - 19:23
Urban yoga is in Aspect Tower, Executive towers :-) http://www.urbanyoga.ae
giantpanda
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 19:32
This is part of my daily commute on SZR, and it is doable. It sounds like you might catch the worst of the evening rush hour though, which can involve quite a bit of bumper to bumper. As Geordie Expat says, half an hour should cover it though, and I'd estimate about 20 minutes in the morning. I'd definitely try it a couple of trial runs in the evening. Getting back into Downtown can be a challenge on its own!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 15:37
Hi Supersparki and congratulations! I was already seeing an obs/gynae so will continue with her up until my next scan (approx 13 weeks). Unfortunately she doesn't deliver babies herself so I will have to transfer to someone else after that. I had my first scan at 6 weeks btw, which I think is normal here. I am definitely considering City as well as I've heard good things about it. Hopefully someone can give you some better advice!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 15:22
PS TOWIS - good luck with your scan. I find them quite nerve wracking!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 15:17
Thanks for all the advice ladies :-) and congratulations TOWIS. I'm due mid August but no official date yet. I will email my doctor and find out exactly what they will be testing for. Kiwispiers, I think that was what I had read about the combined scan and blood test which set some alarm bells ringing. Also find it a bit weird that my doctor hasn't given me any advice on what not to eat, what exercise to do or avoid etc! Guess that's what NHS website is for.......
giantpanda
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Latest post on 26 October 2013 - 09:37
Hi there I went to the spa a while ago when it first opened. The staff were nice, and the facial was good. The front desk wasn't quite as organised as it could have been, but that has probably improved now. I found the spa (ie changing rooms,recovery area) was a bit cramped compared to spas in hotels that I've been to, but otherwise a good experience. Enjoy your facial!
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 10 May 2013 - 07:16
I have a 2008 model I am considering selling if that is of any interest.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 20:14
Take SZR, Dubai Mall exit. As the road splits, first stay left. Then at second split, left lane will take you over to Jumeira, so stay right, then at third split (!!) stay left. This will take you through a tunnel. Once you emerge from tunnel kept going straight for a bit and Limestone House will be on your right. It's just before Ritz Carlton hotel. Parking I'm not sure, but there is probably visitors parking. Ask security.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 19:16
Also you can try Duplays (www.duplays.com) Bear in mind you will have to sign up for a season in advance though :-)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 20:28
I knew someone probably more mid to upper level who had a use it or lose it housing allowance (very generous) Also know some a bit further down the food chain and I think they either get a much smaller allowance or none at all.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 23:44
Thanks Lettie. You must be right, just getting a bit over eager!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 20:44
Has anyone found it? I have Fox sports and ESPN, but no sign. It's wall to wall baseball instead! I seem to remember that last year it was on Fox Sports HD only, but we don't have that channel any more :-(
giantpanda
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 20:09
I've been twice in the past month or so. First time service and food were excellent. Second time there were a few issues with service and a couple of our mains were served on the cold side of luke warm. Won't be hurrying back as it's very expensive.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 19:36
I had good results from the osteopath at Up and Running on al Wasl Rd. His name is Mark I think.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 13:26
Thank you SEY83. I'm going for brunch this weekend so got a bit excited at that news! It seems there is only one voucher, but better than nothing of course :-)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 13:16
Suze63, Can you tell me where the Mina al Salam brunch is in the book? Is it fine dining? I can only see vouchers for individual restaurants at the Madinat. Or is it an offer on the Entertainer website? Thanks There is lots of new stuff in there though....Apres in MOE is back, The Ivy, Latitude Brunch at JBH, Mina a Salam Brunch (ANY beverage package), Rivington Grill (both venues). It still saves us a great deal of money at any rate, although hugely frustrating when a favourite disappears.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 11:29
Hi fizzywizz, I can really sympathise as I have been through something similar (although not quite as bad from the sounds of it). As recommended below, try taking the aggressive cat to the vet, just in case he is in pain (one of mine had abcesses on two of his teeth which must have been horribly painful and I had no idea until he went in for his check up :-( ) We also live in a two bed apartment with three cats. Originally we had two cats, and then we introduced a third, which upset the balance and resulted in similar behaviour to what you describe. Things we have done to manage the problem are as follows: 1.We separate the cat that is being bullied from the other two if we go out for more than a few hours. They all still have access to litter tray, food and water of course. This means that there are no incidents while we are out and the one being picked on has a chance to go about his business in peace for a while. 2. We have the Feliway plug in. This does seem to have some effect. 3. We have litter trays in two separate locations which helps diffuse tension relating to use of the tray (the vet recommends one litter tray per cat plus one extra btw, but we just have one per cat and make sure they are cleaned regularly) 4. We also have two separate locations for food and water 5. There is still some fighting/agression when we are at home, so when this happens we separate the agressor in a dieffernt room for 10-20 mins until he calms down. 6. Water can be useful for splitting up fights :-) 7. The only safe say to hold an angry/scared cat is by the scruff of the neck. Any other means can result in a lot of scratches! Also, we haven't managed this, but the vet recommended creating a sort of "safe space" where your bullied cat can go and take shelter (something like a box with a small hole in it where the other cat can't attack him). I hope all of this helps a bit as I know how upsetting this is.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 14:40
Some positive feedback on DSF.... At Dubai Mall today I went to Ted Baker, where the majority of stock was at either 25% or 50% discount and also LK Bennett which had almost everything discounted (at 40% off I think). I'm sure there are more bargains out there :-)
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 16:34
I feel your pain OP! I have given away two things on Dubizzle, and trust me, it's easier to sell things for a small sum as that doesn't seem to attract such timewasters. People who call to say they want it, but have no transport, as if they will suddenly magic themselves up a car by the time they say they will collect! Now I use Take My Junk, who will literally take anything, or if it's smallish ok condition items I leave them by the rubbish chute so that the building cleaners can make use or sell them if they want to.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 01 November 2012 - 20:55
RR, You are right, people should go and see and make up their own minds. Maybe it was just a bad moment, but I hate seeing animals being sold like that whatever the conditions are like.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 22:43
Makes me so angry and sad :-( Now I have to see that place every time I go to Waitrose. Dubi Mall boycott?
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 22:27
Hi there, I went in at the weekend to see if they had any nice cat toys. It was early in the day and the staff were cleaning some empty enclosures. There were some sad looking puppies sitting in enclosures smeared with faeces, presumably yet to be cleaned. A definite one to avoid in my opinion, but then again I refuse to shop anywhere that sells live animals. <em>edited by giantpanda on 31/10/2012</em>
giantpanda
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Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 22:36
Sorry for delay. We have Etisalat package. Just got home and no more golf on anyway! Apparently it starts on AD Sports HD at 11pm though....
giantpanda
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Latest post on 06 April 2012 - 18:25
We watched it on Fox Sports last night. The non-HD channel. Not sure if that is included in your package or not though.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 18:55
I went to the Indian one a while back and thought it was very good :)
giantpanda
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 23:49
Thanks for the great advice ladies.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 23:47
Some of these times are a bit optimistic unless you are an Olympic race walker ;) Metro to Burj K is closer to 10 mins than 5. Probably walkable morning and evening, but not during the hottest part of the day.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 14:18
Thanks for the info Kelly. As we are only there for a few days, a driver seemed like the hassle free option, but it's hard not to feel like we are being ripped off!
giantpanda
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Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 13:53
Alternatively, has anyone tried this journey on the train?
giantpanda
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Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 13:51
We are spending a few nights at Tea Trails Plantation in Sri Lanka. I'm trying to arrange a car and driver to take us from Colombo airport to the plantation and back again. I have been quoted 170 USD each way by two different companies. Can anyone tell me if this sounds right? It seems incredibly expensive to me (the journey is about 4.5 hours each way apparently). TIA.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 14:13
Thanks for the advice. I got through on the phone and they said to come down to the store and luckily they had some spares in stock :) Only problem is that it's too heavy to lift off the floor on my own. It will have to stay there until OH arrives back in a few days. Surely this is discrimination against single people ;-)
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 18:56
There are also things like colour, smell, whether it is brittle or ductile, whether is conducts electricity, whether it's crystalline or amorphous. Sorry, can't get to twenty! I'd actually say that being metallic was a property.
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 02 January 2012 - 17:13
I have taken batteries and old/broken electrical items to Emirates Environmental Group on Beach Road in the past. On their website they claim to have disposed of 5,175kg of batteries since 2006 :-) They also take cans, paper, toner cartridges, plastic, glass, mobile phone and tetrapak(!!) apparently www.eeg-uae.org
giantpanda
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 22:11
I was on Etisalat PAYG. I just bought my BB, then signed up for a pre-pay BB package (they take a fixed fee from me at the start of every month for the BB service, then texts and calls are charged as normal). I kept the same sim and phone number. You can sign up via text on Etisalat btw. The BB package includes BB messenger and email service and I have the FB app as well. Internet access is also included, but I find it a bit slow.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 19:31
Sorry Moose, didn't think that one through! Fingers crossed for you. Hi sb :-) You could be right, but then again..... It's a difficult one to call. Was tempted to buy recently but now thinking of waiting until the outcome of the Eurozone crisis is a bit clearer at least. A lot of places in London are so overpriced at the moment, and are sitting on the market for a long time because of it.
giantpanda
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Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 19:10
Moose, Are you from the UK? If so, any idea when the right time to buy a house will be? Trying to decide whether it's worth waiting for a property crash which may never happen!
giantpanda
71
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Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 14:41
Try Dubizzle. I saw one on there recently.
 
 
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