Ginnee | ExpatWoman.com
 

Ginnee

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:52
We do regularly check all browsers for compatability- and we did an extra check after the message last week- and all was fine- please check your browsers are up to date and the latest versions... you can let us know what browser and what version of it you are using and we can see if that is the issue. thanks EW Admin Mine is internet explorer windows vista
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:48
There is no way I'd want to be a teacher here. They seem to have such high expectations and demand so much from them and they are soooo underpaid. I have a friend who is in her late 40's been teaching all her life and is only making 10k. She gets accommodation but that's about it.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:28
That's also a good point Meagle, I've heard this too.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:20
Hi Freaking92, So glad your family liked it :) It's just so easy to make and yet so impressive. Don't ever tell your guests how easy it is :) I'm thinking of trying this with white chocolate and raspberries with chopped madadamia nuts or something. But first mission - lose the Ramadan weight!! I've put on so much, I do it every year :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:17
Whatever you do, don't listen to the in-laws or anyone else trying to compare your child with another child!! I know it's really hard when you have family making these comparisons, grrrr!! Everyone develops at their own pace and I really think the fact that he's exposed to 2 languages means something as well. By all means get his hearing tested and take him to a speech specialist to check him out but here you run the risk of Dr's saying yes, he's got this wrong and that wrong, just because they see you have insurance and want to milk it all!! Just be careful to not let him think there's anything wrong with him, or to put any labels on him. I found with my girls I was really concerned with their delay, but it seems almost overnight they became little babblers :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 14:13
I've worked out that it's only when I'm on my pc at work that I have this problem. Strange
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 12:17
Personally I feel you're expecting a bit too much from him. Firstly his age, secondly he's learning two languages. I had twin girls and they didn't really start with full sentances till about 2.5. My husband and I speak to them in different languages so I figured it's that, plus twins have their own dialogue between themselves. All kids are different. With socialisation I guess nursery is the best answer, but I understand your hesitance!! I'm sure the other ladies have some good advice.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 10:52
sarah c photography seems very good
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 10:50
try sarah c photography. you'll find it on google
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 09:44
This is really scary to me because last year there were two siblings (under 5 I think) that died because their NEIGHBOURS pest controlled their apartment. Apparently the pest controllers had no idea what they were doing and mixed the spray to a strong level, it got into the AC and affected their neighbours!! I don't think there's any regulation here, which is the scary part. I'm sure the other ladies will be able to recommend somone to you that they trust. I don't know how long I would stay out of the house. Maybe 48 hrs? Is it an apartment that you can air by leaving windows open while you're away?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 15:35
I have no experience with autism, but having read this, I just have to tell you ladies how I admire your determination and strength! Its times like this I feel that God sends special kids to special parents. Bless you and your kids.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 09:38
No side effects. the other vitamins I mentioned in my op helped me with depression, anxiety and hair growth was the unexpected side effect :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 09:35
Thanks for the info dinks. Very interesting. K, the name of the suppliment is HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS 3000 mcg of biotin with vit c, e calcium. by By Natures Bounty. It has lots of other things but I noticed it only has b6 and b12. I think I got it at Boots.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 14:08
It is probably wise to take things slowly.(Im the opposite, I'm an all or nothing girl :D) I'll get the name of the biotin for you - like i said it has other vitamins in it. good to take an all-in-one. I'd wait at least 2 months though before drawing any conclusions, as you need to wait to see if there's any new growth. also, i would use bottled water on your hair if you're not already, the water here is so harsh.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 13:51
I think the one I'm taking is about 1000mcg, as compared to the 300mcg I was taking. I'm at work, but tonight I'll post the name of the one I'm taking. It also has alot of other vitamins in it. I would def go for the vit b complex, the D and the iron. But if you're breast feeding, I would talk to your dr before you take anything.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 13:23
What annoys me the most is the capital letters at the beginning of each word. It's like the whole post is a title, it's irking me!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 13:17
kewlzany, I would get your hormones checked too, if it's only happened since pregancy and birth, it may be related
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 13:15
This article about Vitamin D deficiency related hair loss links omega 3 to vitamin D, saying it enhances it's efficiency in the body. http://www.naturalnews.com/024929_hair_stress_loss.html
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 13:11
From a bit of research on the net, I've concluded that out of the 3 supplements I'm taking, it's the vitamin b complex that has increased my hair growth, and the folic acid, which is a from of vitamin B. I've also started taking Biotin, which I've heard is great for hair and nails (my nails are appalling). I would also get a shower filter or at least wash your hair in bottled water, and get a vit D supplement, which we all know we're lacking in this country. And iron wouldn't hurt. I'm really amazed at the new growth I've got since I started my vitamins a year ago, which were prescribed to help treat depression. I only just noticed the new growth a couple of months ago, and it's about 7 cms long! Off the internet: "b vitamins for healthy hair The foods that the B vitamins work to metabolise provide nutrients to the whole body including the hair and hair follicles. Deficiencies of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5 can result in poorly nourished hair follicle cells, and this can cause hair to become brittle and also stunt growth. Not getting enough Vitamin B9 or folic acid also slows down cell division within the hair follicles which also slows down hair growth. A deficiency of Vitamin B7 (biotin) can lead to hair loss and is also essential for maintaining the texture, tone and strength of your locks. This vitamin can also be used to treat cradle cap, a scalp condition which affects infants. "
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 12:33
ahhh, I remember a thread a while back about the horrible new font and thought, gee it must be so subtle as I haven't noticed any change!! I'm not crazy then CitronKB, quite relieved :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 11:05
I haven't been on for a couple of days, haven't noticed it before!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 10:50
Happy you liked it P, I'm sure your rellies in Lithuania will be impressed, give them a taste of Arabia :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 11:32
Hi Ginnee, so finally I am going to try out your recipe tomorrow, me and my family has never tried Umm Ali before, want them to introduce to something new. Just to make sure that no mistakes happen, as I am a beginner with cooking, do I have to use the broiler or the bottom heating element? ( I have a gas oven). Sorry for the dumb question, I am a lil bit confused :/, dont know much about the oven. Just know how to bake cakes lol. Yep, CW is right. I've never used a gas oven before, but just use the same settings for baking a cake. All you really want to achieve is some golden colouring on top, so take it out when it's looking nice, don't leave it in too long (more than 10 min's I'd say) as it will dry out. Enjoy!! Report back and tell us how it was :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 13:06
My hair has ally thinned over the years - due to covering all the time, I think. The Vitamin B - a specific one of just Vitamin B complex tablet???? I really want to try this - it would be great if I could thicken my hair up just a little. I am so careful with it, oil it, treat it, no blow drying etc except for special occasions, etc without success. It's a vitamin B complex, and the name is Neurobion (in a white box with yellow writing)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 13:04
I just want to say ladies, sorry about the appalling writing!! I just saw this now!! I sent this from my "smart" phone and there are lots of errors. I'm sure you all got what I was saying :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 14:03
It depends on where you are coming from. I study at a UK uni here and it's in the same price range as the UK campus. Can u pls tell me which uni, commentator2012?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 08:23
... anyone tried bu qutair rest. in Jumeirah.. the Fish is to die for.. when you see the place you will be so shocked as how can this place be always over booked, huge waiting list.. and the q is unbearable.. but the fish is totally worth it.. we took ours takeaway and sat on the beach to eat.. yummyyy Im intrigued. where in j is this?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 08:18
I just posted this to my FB :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 08:16
I would have thought that this would be the best time of year to find work. I may be wrong, just always felt that a lot of people leave during June/July. No, its the worst time because everything slows down to a snails pace. I really wish your hubby luck getting a job soon xx
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 08:07
Actually its not breadcrumbs, apricot, it's semolina. Nestle has what seems to be quite an authentic recipe on their site. This is my hubbies fav dessert. He brings loads of it home from beirut, vacuum packed for the freezer. :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 11:01
A few day ago I made some Atayef using an Internet recipe that i liked. I was very happy with the results, they looked and tasted as good as the ready made fresh ones sold in Syria during Ramadan.Thanks for posting Swissroll, will try these tomorrow. Pls tell us where on Internet you found the recipe :) me too please :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 11:00
Let's hope that she had an epidural! I knowwww. Ouch is the first work that came into my mind too!! Poor mother, she must have been ripped to shreds, no?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 10:57
Kudos from me. My admiration grew greatly when I read the thread where you divulged that you had become a single mother with no home and no money and yet managed to study a Bachelors AND a Masters. My mind is boggling at that thought. YOu are such a strong woman. I"m contemplating doing a bachelors, but have no idea what field.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 13:38
Different. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/mcdonalds-bristol-couple-hold-150-2099464 hmmm, classy!! I'd rather have a picnic wedding in a park!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 13:34
Thanks Ginnee ... as you told it will take time for everyone to learn how to manage and get into the routine... I absoloutely advocate to get someone to help you get the babies into a routine as soon as you can. This saved my sanity!! I'm sure there are experts here for that. I'm not sure on-demand attachment parenting is the way to go with multiples!! But that's just from my personal experience.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 13:32
I guess everyone handles things differently. It depends on the individual. I was under the impression when I was pregnant that I would cope just fine with twins on my own!! How wrong I was. The sleep deprivation was the worst for me. I was fearful I might make a mistake with medication or drop a baby I was so tired. I guess it's for the individual to assess on their own. I'm a depression sufferer also, so Im sure that added to things. I didn't have hubby with me, he was here, I was back home. I just had my elderley Grandmother helping me. God bless her! <em>edited by Ginnee on 30/07/2013</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 13:28
vanilla essence!! That Sainsbury hommus is curious to me!!! Would love to know what's in it and what it tastes like!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 12:08
thanks SR, will look out for it
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 12:02
yeah, it will be fine, as long as it's been well covered and not made with dairy
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 11:37
That is a very high salary they are asking. The relevant embassies actually set minimum salaries for their live in domestic workers: Bangladeshi: 750 AED Indonesian: 800 AED Sri Lankan: 825 AED Indian: 1,100 AED Filipina: 1,400 AED These figures are direct quotes from the "maid" section of EW - please check it out. I have a live in Indonesian maid and I pay her 1,000 aed per month. Wow, these aren't the sort of figures I was expecting to see at all. I'm horrified...750dhs a month? I could spend that much on a single Spinneys trip! I really hope people appreciate these figures as MINIMUM wages. Mrsb, I'm not commenting on your post personally, rather the official figures quoted within it. Starfish - these are the stipulated minimum wages and most employers pay above these figures but they're not relatively low as you may assume... keep in mind that for these 'live in' domestic workers they do not have much living expenses that you as an individual have... they don't need to pay for accommodation or food or schools or medical insurance or clothes as all these are provided by the employer. Whatever they make they save... of course they will not be able to shop at spinneys or have brunches at the madinat or mani/pedis at nail spas with that kind of income... but they aren't inclined to either. Their only priority when away from home is to save money for their family back home... and that's pretty much what they do save for keeping a little aside for their time here... even for the agency help that many people hire in dubai, they are technically paying the agency around 2000-3000 per month but only about 1000 of that actually ends up in the hands of the maid... i'm sure all maids would want a lovely salary of 4 or 5K... just like I would love a salary of 50-60K but at the end of the day I am employed at a salary that I am comfortable accepting and that can meet my current needs and that's all that counts... 750 AED equates to 15,893.70 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) and any Bangladeshi will be able to tell you that amount is a lot in their currency and can get their family comfortably by for a month. The average income for a native in Bangladesh is around 600 AED per month (and that too is for a skilled worker) hence for unskilled labour like the help here 750 AED is a lot of money... Salaries are always relative... so what may seem low to you might not necessarily be low for another person... I like your post. you have hit the nail on the head here. I think we need to stop comparing the cost of brunches and trips to spinneys to what maids earn. Many Maids here in the UAE save almost 95% of their salary. How many of us on this board can say that we save 95% of our salary ? if you look at the nitty gritty, clothes, food toiletries, medical insurance, phone cards, accomodation utilities are all paid for by the employer. Like ive said on previous posts, I know of maids and office boys and labourers that have managed to educate their children and build houses for themselves with the ' low salary' they earn here. and the reason that they come and work here is that they are never going to earn that amount working as a maid in their home countries. Yep, it's all relative. My maid earns almost triple what she could earn back home and doesn't have any expenses. Never in my life could I dream to make triple what I make back home AND get to save it all.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 11:33
Yes. I did. I had a lump on an eyelid that was growing and could only be removed surgically and as a result I had to have an upper eyelid job done....on both eyes to make me look even so to speak. The result really was fantastic and people assumed I had been sleeping well, and nothing else. :D It was a really simple procedure and I was awake throughout. Dr Smith really is excellent at what he does. edited by DesertRose1958 on 30/07/2013 Awake DR1958? That sounds scary to me!! I would love to have this procedure
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 11:05
God bless you all - future twin mummies. I'm a twin mum, mine are now almost 5. born at 35 weeks. The first 3 months is harrowing. You will be needing a minimum of one person to be helping you. eg: A maid PLUS your mother. I put my girls into a routine at 3 months. I learnt how to bottle feed them (I couldn't breast feed) at the same time - google it, it's useful. The important thing is to try to get them to feed together and sleep at the same time. This will allow you to rest sometimes!! This wasn't the case for me for the first 3 months. I was so tired. Good luck to all with your imminent births :) <em>edited by Ginnee on 30/07/2013</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 11:01
Hi ladies. We are moving out there soon and DH wants to bring our Tomtom with us, but he is thinking of buying the maps for Dubai. Does anyone know if this is a good idea or would you recommend another satnav? Any help appreciated. TBH I love the google maps on my smart phone. As long as you have roaming internet!! It navigates for you and is quite up to date.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 10:59
I love the opening line in this - that they're 'six inches thick', hmmm, comfortable!! they seem like a good idea
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 10:57
Thanks ladies. I'm hoping to find it this week and if not will have to go and report it. I know I saw it last week - but where...WHERE???? :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 10:39
I know in australia you used to be able to buy Ashtar cream in cans - probably not as nice as the real freshly made stuff. I wonder if you can buy it here? The ricotta sounds like it was yummy, I wonder if you could add a bit of really high fat percentage cream and some corn starch to thicken it.... Ashtar is apparently made by boiling milk and skimming the skin off the top - this is where the Ashtar comes from I've been told.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 21:57
Ginee, do a search for cream kunafa on yasalamcooking and it will come up. Sorry I've tried 3-4 times but I can't successfully copy and paste. It's more like muhallabia than Ashta, next time I plan to mix n heat 1 c full fat milk, 1 c whipping cream then add in 3-4 slices white bread, crusts removed n torn into bits. FIL used to heat equal quantities of full fat milk n whipping cream then add semolina, but occasionally it got too thick like cement. Thank u, Miss A :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 14:11
Update: Made a small batch of atayef using this recipe: Combine 1/2 t yeast and 1/2 t sugar into 1/2 cup warm water, let proof 10 min. in separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 c plain flour, 1/8 t salt. Make well, whisk in the yeast, adding more water if needed to make smooth batter. Cover w plastic wrap and let rise 1 hr. To cook, heat flat griddle or lg frying pan (I used an Indian roti tava) and lightly grease. Pour 2 T batter and immediately spread with back of eating fork into circle or oval shape. I was able to cook 3-4 atayef at a time. Cook until the top loses its "raw" color, remove to paper towel-lined hot pot. Made the ashta filling and attar syrup using recipes found on www.yasalamcooking.com, but may change the ashta filling next time as I remember FIL's ashta being thicker. Well received :) I'm going to give this a crack!! Could you paste the Ashtar recipe when you have time? I couldn't find it on the site.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 13:45
Halve the amounts, buy a small can of condensed milk instead of the big one. You have to live life!! I know how you feel about the weight gain. It's depressing. But to put things in perspective you are working and have a young baby and husband to look after. These are the important things in your life. I didn't really start to lose the weight until the girls were about 4. I just found it too exhausting to try to fit exercise in. Be fair to yourself. I'm by no means trying to talk you out of losing weight, but maybe you could just put it in your mind that for now, you are determined not to gain more. Then slowly try to amend your diet. See where you can cut the calories comfortably. Calorie counting is far more important than exercise. Do some research on how much exercise you actually have to do in order to burn just a few hundred calories. It's scary!! Cut out sugar drinks for instance and just have water with lemon wedges or a few drops of orange blossom water. Little things can go a long way
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 12:11
Singarosa, don't be so hard on yourself. The advice of the other ladies is spot on. Try to get an agency maid more than once a week. I hear that with some companies you can have an arrangement for the same maid to come every time and that if it is a permanent/fixed arrangement you can negotiate for a lower price. I used to have a slow cooker (sold it when we moved to Dubai) and wish I still had it. However I do have a pressure cooker, which I love. You can make the most amazing stews and other dishes in it and it only takes a fraction of the time. A stew of the cheapest toughest meat, which would normally have to boil for hours only takes 40 mins. The other idea is to casserole things slowly in the oven. Turn the oven on in the morning to it's lowest setting, put the casserole (covered) in, and forget about it till night time. Turn the oven up to it's highest heat and take the casserole out, remove some juices into a cup, let them cool a bit (I put it in the fridge - naughty!) then stir in some flour to thicken it. Add the juices back to the casserole and put it back in the oven for 20 mins. Finito and delicious.