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Green-ish

Green-ish
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 12:20
Thankyou all for sharing!! Green-ish - please share the findings of your research for the benefit of us all :) A_n_C - Ive had a similiar problem. Did'nt dilate above 5 cms. Hense wondering if VBAC is worth the effort. Which Dr and hospital did you consult? Are they willing to give VBAC a chance for your second one? Nonetheless, good luck :) OK...Piggle was told, "HOWEVER, one of the important facts I was told by doctors in the UK and Ireland was that as I had dilated to 10cm by the time I had the c-section (lucky me...went through full labour without pain relief and had a c-section - not quite my birth plan!), it made the possibility of VBAC much higher and safer for any following birth." In my first relatively superficial search for info, every article that mentions this situation in a first delivery (ie labour to 10cm then c-sect) suggests this makes it LESS likely to have a successful VBAC Here's one of the first that came up - [url=http://www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/health/VBAC/index.htm'>VBAC[/url'> (scroll down to "what reduces your chances...) Like I said, superficial research so far. I did a LOT of research on VBAC with a friend here (Aus) some years ago and I don't remember reading anything about a previous labour improving VBAC chances. More research to come...
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 09:56
I'm watching Mad Men Weeds & Six Feet Under for the first time and loving them all. I think Arrested Development (particularly Season 1) is my all time favourite though for a really good laugh.
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 09:51
Thanks everybody. Just to recap, they need my consensus to perform anything, right? Or does it work on a dissensus basis, meaning that I should specifically declare, for instance at check-in, that I do not want any vaccinations for my baby? Or when? I think whenever a doctor or a nurse is introduced to me I will say: Hi, my name is GattaMatta and I do not want vaccinations. I am starting to enter a phase in which anything becomes a possible tragedy, hope it is normal :-) Be very specific about your wish to decline vaccinations. Tell the nurses on the ward and put a note on the babys cot. I have been in situations where staff have attempted to give the baby its vaccinations and when the mother said "No" the nurse said " the doctor has prescribed it and I have already made up the vaccination". You need to be clear as staff are not familiar with parents saying "No". [b'>They do not need your consensus for treatment here [/b'>and often do not ask for it, only a signed refusal. edited by NZ2AD on 24/10/2011 Ummm...yes they do need parental consent to do ANYTHING to a baby. It is absolutely required, it's just that some nursing staff operate on assumptions. They assume that because it's on the schedule and 'most' babies get XYZ at birth, then that's what they do to every baby. At Al Wasl only one rude, arrogant, young intern had an attitude about my choice not to give any vacc's at birth. The midwives, nurses and paed's were 100% supportive of my choice. It was in my birth plan which I made sure was plastered everywhere that my baby might be (especially once she went to NICU without me). You have to write it down, tell everyone who'll listen, make sure it's noted on baby's chart etc etc. Same goes for your choices re formula or breastfeeding etc...write it, say it, have it noted on the chart. They absolutely cannot give ANYTHING to a baby without consent.
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 09:43
... HOWEVER, one of the important facts I was told by doctors in the UK and Ireland was that as I had dilated to 10cm by the time I had the c-section (lucky me...went through full labour without pain relief and had a c-section - not quite my birth plan!), [b'>it made the possibility of VBAC much higher and safer for any following birth.[/b'> Talk to your OB/GYN and get their views. HTH Very interesting. I've not heard this before and have numerous friends who've had VBAC, with no natural labour for their first deliveries. Off to research....
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 09:27
expensive...mmm, yep. was 1000 dhs. BUT, [b'>our thinking was that it would last through a few kids [/b'>and we only got him this for the first birthday pressie. my MIL got him one of those red motorbike trikes from geant and he loves that too - i see them everywhere in dubai and are super cheap at 120 dhs. :D Only if you space them 5 or so years apart! I think that's the value in it...it will grow with your little one for years & teach him balance. It's SO much easier to move to a pedal bike from a balance bike than dealing with all of that training wheel nonsense. ;) <em>edited by Green-ish on 12/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 12:48
I desperately seek any advice on our unfortunate situation. It has come to our attention that the villa we have lived in for the past 2 years has been repossessed by the bank as the landlord was apparently in dispute with them for increasing the rates on his loan with them. Subsequently the villa was sold at auction last week. We have until the end of January on our contract and the landlord does not respond to any phone calls or emails that we send him. He owes us monies for work done on the villa amounting to 6000DHS and we will also require the deposit back of 6500DHS. I know the chances of recovering this money back are probably non existant but is there anything I can do legally to get this money back. I'm so annoyed I could scream. How are these landlords able to get away with this? Hence we are forced to move out at the end of Jan and are now on the look out for a 3 bed villa for 130k. I would approach Rera and seek to negotiate to remain in the villa until the outstanding is recouped in way of rent. It's my understanding that RERA is only of any relevance to check that the lease is registered with them. If it is, then complaints and claims are lodged with the Rent Committee. RERA check agency licenses, keeps an eye on pricing and a record of leases...they have 'nothing' to do with disputes during tenancy.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 12:40
Thank you girls. :) Simone...I'll contact you on FB. xx natalie and cymraes...I'm in Australia now, hence the frustration at being unable to sort this out. :( It is dreadful PR for a bookstore I always loved while in Dubai.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 07:09
Oh...and I meant to add what I do to make myself feel happier. I find time, even just five minutes a day, to be by myself...REALLY by myself and in the moment. I might make a cup of tea, sit somewhere quiet and peaceful and be IN the moment. Taste the tea, smell the tea, feel the cup in my hands, feel my feet on the floor...then use all senses to 'see' everything around me...listen to every sound around me (birds, wind in the trees, someone's mower in the distance etc), see the leaves swaying etc etc. It all sounds very hippified, but that moment every day calms and relaxes me and helps me to face the challenges brought my way. If I'm feeling really down, I make sure I wear my most favourite clothes, no matter what I'm doing. Hanging around in pj's all day does not lift one's mood. Unless one (lol) is sitting in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate and watching the rain outside. :D If there's anything you really love doing (reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, base jumping ;) ) try to do it for even a short time, every single day. I love gardening, so even when I haven't had my own garden, I have some pots with flowers and herbs to tend every day. I like to plan ahead when I know I need something to look forward to. Perhaps take some of the suggestions below and do a bit of your own tourist research then plan a calendar for the next seven months. Don't look at it as a "count down until you get the heck out of there", look at it as a list of things you can't wait to do and only have a limited time to pack them all in. Which villages do you want to see? What local food specialities must you try? Which parks do you want to walk through? Which country lanes would you love to picnic beside? Your UK 'Bucket List'. :D Have one precious item that ALWAYS makes you smile. A favourite, beautiful tea cup; an item of jewellery; favourite happy photos; a gorgeous scarf; a pretty cushion. Have it where you can see it, or where you can grab it when you need a boost. Nothing too nostalgic!! That can backfire and make you weepy. ;) Once you get yourself in the right frame of mind, it becomes easier to think of little things that bring a smile to your face.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 06:14
Thank you ladies! I wish those mums at school were as nice as you!!! It has been a struggle to fit in, the mums have not been welcoming at all...I guess they are not used to see so many foreigners in this small town! But come on I'm from France not from Mars! Anyway, [b'>I'm done trying with these women...their loss really if they are so narrow minded then I will have nothing in common with them anyway...[/b'> We are trying to enjoy England as much as we can! The lifestyle here is very different than life in Dubai and I guess it will take time to adjust... Good night ladies... Hi frenchy. I had a similar experience when I first came home to Australia...and I'm Australian!! I have found that the only 'new' friends I've made are also people who have either lived abroad or travelled extensively...and those girls tell me they also had the same trouble making friends. I don't think I'm any different after travelling, but I'm definitely more broad-minded and accepting of differences than a lot of the locals here. I just can't be assed now with their cliquey, narrow-mindedness. I'm also in a relatively small community so while I'm not a foreigner here, I am and outsider and I think understand a little of what you're experiencing. There are literally only three school mums who are lifetime locals and (after a full year standing outside the same classroom) ever speak to me in a friendly manner. We get on 'well' outside the classroom, but there has never been any suggestion of spending time together away from school. I hope you do find lots of fun, new things to do together for the time you have left. I'd LOVE to live in the UK for a while so please share your positive, fun experiences and I'll live vicariously through you! :D
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 05:03
I like the way you make the point about it being 'proper' flu. In the past, I have been guilty of saying I had the flu when I merely had a cold. It was only when I actually got the flu, and was almost hospitalised, that I realised how wrong I was. It took weeks to properly get over it. Hope you feel better soon. I too recently had diagnosed (nasal swab...OUCH) 'proper' 'flu, twice. Never again will I overstate a head cold. 'Flu is AWFUL. When I felt my second bout of the 'flu coming on, I took my Dr's advice and had a course of Tamiflu. The first time I said, "Bah...that won't make a difference" then I was so sick I simply could not take care of my own children and being the only grown-up in the house, that was a big problem. If you start on Tamiflu in the first 24 hours, it's supposed to ease the suffering and reduce the time you're ill. I was still, sick but could function and was better much faster when I took the Tamiflu. (I don't work for Roche. ;)) I hope all 'flu sufferers are feeling much better soon.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 04:56
It certainly used to be stocked at TRU. Perhaps give them a call for the current price?
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 04:54
we just got our 12 mo a wishbone bike from nz for his birthday. they stock them at bumblebee at dubai mall. it's a little big for him now but he can still ride it. the best thing is that it converts 3 ways and lasts till the kids are 5 years old. it really is gorgeous and well made too. here's the link http://www.wishbonedesign.com That one is gorgeous! If the budget can stretch that far, I'd say go for it!! Our older children started on balance bikes from about 2 yrs old and switched to pedal bikes in about 5 minutes by the time they were four...no training wheels. :) Given that you'd spend at least 200dhs on a half-decent tricycle that will last maybe 12 months, then 300-400 on a first bike which will last another 12 months or so...700 for something that could last 4 yrs is pretty good value.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 02:52
Clarks. Ecco. Pablosky (sp?).
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 02:48
Go for a really showy maxi-dress in a soft, stretchy fabric. They look stunning on a pregnant belly.
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 02:45
DFC riding school. Call csaba marton on 055 60 787 46 http://birdsofprey-show-dubai.jimdo.com/ . Are you or do you work for this Csaba Marton? Every post of yours promotes the business...
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Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 02:44
Oh, golly. I was doing something completely different it suddenly hit me I had given you the wrong instructions on this one. I meant just after you click the chain-link button, change the letters 'link', then only click 'add message'. So, sorry. Thanks GM. :D
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:55
Hey, you can change the text 'link' to something short & sweet that makes sense too: [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=167079'>Petra[/url'> How did you do that?
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:52
Yep...I agree with kiwispiers... ...plus you'd want to check where the canned fish was caught. Again, if large fish from high Hg waters, potential Hg in the can etc etc. Of course, there are dozens of sites saying canned fish has negligible Hg and is absolutely safe for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and babies. Oh...I also gave my little ones fish from about 7 months. :D Just thought it worth mentioning the *possible* concerns IF there's a family history of allergies. :) Until they were older I used fresh, wild caught fish.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:44
Isn't this a British English vs American English thing? Learned is to American English as learnt is to British English. Both having the same use and meaning. That's what I always thought...unless in 'British' English you are referring to a scholar, as below. "A learned person" (learn-ed)
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:40
Redlesley might know exactly who you need to address this to as she used to work there. Of course!! Why didn't I think of her?? Will message her on FB. Thank you Claire. xx
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:40
try the top lady herself ..... she seems very nice when I hear her on Dubai Eye I just googled her name and came up with this: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/isobel-abulhoul/13/17/346 Lol...thank you but I have no clue how to use linkedin. *blush* Will have a look though.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:37
Oh yuck! Giardiasis is awful!! I speak from personal and uncomfortable experience there. Giardiasis in humans can leave the tummy very, very sensitive for some time after it's been treated. I don't know what the vet suggested, but I'd suggest frequent very small meals of very bland, low-fat food for a while...white chicken meat etc. As you've been told, it is [u'>highly[/u'> contagious...animals and humans. Did the vet suggest anything for your other pets? Best keep a close eye on any who had any contact with her or shared bedding/toys/scratch posts/bowls/litter trays etc even for a few days before she seemed ill. Make sure you're ok too. Poor girl. I hope she's back to normal soon. <em>edited by Green-ish on 09/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:28
Easy. :) From Emirates Rd, take the 66 towards Al Ain and follow the signs...exit will be at or near Al Lisali.
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Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 17:23
Hello ladies! I have tried every trick I know to get myself off the Magrudy's mailing lists. I've done the online contact form numerous times. I've emailed all branches...never a reply. One of their newsletters has no 'unsubscribe' option so I replied to the "[email protected]" email address asking them to take me off the list as I no longer live in Dubai. Apparently everyone else who wants to unsubscribe did too. I've just gone to do a spam clean-up and have found 100's of angry emails addressed personally to me and to lots of others like me!! It seems that when you reply to a Magrudy's email, your personal email address is sent to everyone on their mailing list!!!...and most of them clearly don't give a hoot where I live. Lol. One poor bloke has his work phone number and physical address as part of his signature, so now potentially 1000's of people have some very personal information about him. No reply from Magrudy's though. Rather than language barriers and time differences over the phone, would one of you lovelies somehow be able to help me out? I'm not sure what anyone can do? Maybe take my Magrudy's card number and email address into the store next time you're there and see what they can do. Any other ideas please? I know it's a big ask. POOR FORM from Magrudy's though!!!
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 15:32
I'm so pleased he's doing well. Thank you for your kind words halfmoon. :) We are all well...my son has just finished school for the year and my older daughter starts in January. They grow SO quickly. It has taken some time to settle back in to life here and we all often miss Dubai, quirks and all! I do hope to visit again one day and will definitely plan to be in touch with you. xx
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 15:28
I don't think 4 bedrooms are rare...most two storey villas in Mirdif are at least 4 bedrooms (in the area you're looking). There always used to be hand painted signs down the middle of 37St...something like "Villas for rent" and a mobile number. I don't have his number any more, but that fellow always had lots of villas to see.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:43
We bought my son's teacher a Christmas decoration from Australia. We chose to do something small, fun and personal for Christmas and a 'larger' thank-you gift at the end of the school year. It's so much easier in Aus...Christmas IS the end of the school year so only one gift to worry about. :D
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:30
Have you done the drive around and called the agents' numbers on the gates? Nine times out of ten the villas are open and they tell you to just have a look.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:28
I like having a really fresh and light Thai (rare) beef salad as a starter before all of the heavy Xmas fare to follow.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:14
Hi Emlsnre You are right, mine was one of Ladies who did not come in. According to them they are classified as cleaners and not domestic helpers, so they can apply the labor law. Even tho' double time was offered for working. I am just not sure whether to continue with them, or accept that this is the nature of the beast so to speak! If I had an agreement with the company for them to supply a cleaner on that day and they did not, I'd switch companies.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:08
Hi Purple, thanks for the response. I called my insurance company; and according to them anything which comes under 'registration' or 'package' is not covered by insurance. They will re-imburse only after the treatment is complete, not for payments in advance. With Al Wasl, a package is mandatory, correct? This was the case for us...although 2 yrs ago and we were also pay-as-you-go, we were told they don't payout anything for AlWasl until after delivery and discharge.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:06
most people have a 2 year gap woah... sweeeeeeeeeping statement of fact there, BB! Most people I know in the UK of my generation seem to have a 3 year gap, unless they have more... or less. Or much more, or much less. I have a lot of friends with children and can't actually think of any with exactly a 2 yr gap. ;)
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 12:05
If you do an internet search for the local distributor of your washing machine brand, they will be able to put you onto the authorised repairer. I always found it ended up being quicker and cheaper to go to the guys who actually knew what they are doing! They will come (probably for a call-out fee) and give an immediate quote on repairs...and tell you how to operate the child lock. ;)
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 10:41
New research suggests that it is better for the first child's intelligence if there are more than 2 years between them. http://nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com/practical-parenting/pregnancy-birth/article/-/12125752/is-this-proof-of-the-perfect-age-gap/ hmmm... they'd need to determine whether "intelligence" was down to nature or nurture first, which is an ongoing debate! I'm on the "nature" side of the fence on that point. Me too HAK. Far out...the 'research' some people use to justify their existence just blows me away sometimes. What ridiculous generalisations.
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Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 07:43
You're so right...there's no ideal age difference. :) Because I was 35 when my first was born and we wanted three before I turned 40, a time limit determined the gaps! My first two are 20 months apart and the first year after the younger one was born is a blur of exhaustion. After that first year, it became a whole lot easier. Once she was mobile, could communicate somewhat and actively play with/beside her older brother, they became best little buddies. Now they are 6 and 4.5 and still best friends...most of the time. ;) We had 2.5 yrs before my third child was born and that, for us, was a FAR more sensible gap. :D My husband is one of three, all three years apart. He thinks the bigger age gap stopped him and his siblings from being really close as children. They've only gotten to know each other as adults. The three of them are chalk & cheese in temperament though, so regardless of age gap I don't think they were ever going to be mates! ;)
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 15:26
Are you able to eat? Are you eating lots of small meals? I found the key was never leaving myself with an empty stomach. My 'morning sickness' (what a laugh!!) was so bad that it even woke me up during the night. I needed a stash of plain dry biscuits (jatz etc) by the bed. Do you have another adult you could call on to help look after the little one? You need lots of rest so be sure to lie down when your baby naps during the day. The housework can wait!!
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 14:58
She's in good hands JS. I hope you get some good news soon and that she's on the mend.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 14:56
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/community-reports/alarming-animal-abuse-in-pet-shop-1.944181 He urged residents to report any cases of animal cruelty on the Dubai Municipality hotline number — 800 900. "We ask residents to act as our third eye.[b'> But also keep in mind that there may be a bigger story behind what you see. Professionals are needed to evaluate the situation. We ask people to be fair in their judgment of situations,[/b'> and we will definitely investigate. We all have to stop cruelty towards animals — it is our duty." Bigger story behind what? While he's clearly not referring specifically to the case in the article, under what circumstances (bigger story) could it possibly be ok to have on display underweight, eye-infected, diarrhoea ridden animals kept in inhumane cages with no comfortable bedding or water?? There is no "bigger story" when it comes to the cruelty in these pet shops. If the store owners/managers cared at all the dogs would be either at the vets or somewhere safe, quiet and comfortable to recuperate. I genuinely applaud the great steps forward that DM has taken to improve animal welfare over the last few years. There is still SUCH a long way to go.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 14:49
Ayda...have a look on amazon.com If you search for "cat harness" there are dozens, from about 15dhs. Even with shipping, it may end up cheaper for you.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 12:35
I'm so pleased she's on the mend GEA. :)
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 12:34
... Cloth nappies may help, but only if the rash is caused by an allergy to her disposables. if you think it is bacterial/fungal I wold be tempted to stick with disposables for now [b'>as otherwise you risk re-contaminating everytime you re-use the old nappy and they will not keep the area as dry.[/b'> good luck. YIKES!! As a cloth nappy advocate from way back :D , I beg to differ!!!!!! Cloth nappies stored correctly, washed in the machine and dried in the sun are 100% hygienic for repeat use. Cloth nappies breathe better than disposables, keeping the skin drier and cooler. The only exception to the 'drier' claim would be a terry square used without a liner and left on once soiled.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 12:23
I don't have to hand, nor time to look right now, data on Hg levels in hamour. I assumed (wrongly?) that it would be higher in Hg than other fish because it's a predator/carnivore. Being predators, even a small hamour will naturally be higher in mercury than a herbivorous or omnivorous fish of the same size from the same body of water. The animal activist in me would not allow me to buy hamour even if it was proven the most healthy fish for humans. ;) Like my usual pet store rants, every consumer who buys hamour is contributing to their very near extinction.
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 14:17
You'd have a probation period of say 3 months? Give the job a try, don't feel guilty. See how you like the balance of work & motherhood. It's an opportunity not to be wasted. The perfect answer really. You and your employer get three months to find out if it's all a good fit. Why not give it a try? Maybe find a maid full time maid sponsored by an agency. More expensive per month, but no long term commitment if the job doesn't work out.
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 12:26
... I agree with everything you have written! Except where you say if unethical breeding ceased there would be no need for shelters.... people will always take pets on not knowing/understanding the responsibility and unfortunately horrible people will still dump them! So regardless of ethical versus non ethical breeders there will sadly always be a need for shelters. ...except that, in my Utopia (lol, keep dreaming of that lately) there would be ONLY ethical breeders. It would be, as it SHOULD be, hard work to get a pup/kitten etc. Such breeders put people though the wringer before even considering letting them have one of their precious pups. If people had to prove their worth to get an animal in the first place and pay a small fortune for it, they'd be far less likely to dump it would they? In that scenario, if someone had a genuine need to re-home their pet, there would be long waiting lists of pre-approved homes ready to take them on. It would be interesting to see the 'dump rates' of ethically sourced pets. Lol...you need to excuse me. Some would say I'm an Aquarian therefore a dreamer. :D
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 10:32
Hi marmarina. It worth keeping in mind that some experts recommend not to introduce fish to babies under 12 months, especially is there is any history of allergies in the family. If you're ready to go ahead there's a great local site worth looking at. http://www.choosewisely.ae/ Not only is hamour relatively high in mercury, it's also grossly overfished and a species under threat in the local area. Some good fish choices for little ones: High in Omega 3 and low in mercury - mackerel, sardines (and canned salmon and canned tuna in oil) Lower omega 3 and low mercury - snapper, bream, trevally, whiting, anchovy, garfish. One of the Aus health authorities had a push a while ago for "Small fish for small people". The bigger the fish are, the higher the mercury content. ;)
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 10:15
I've seen the photographers in action and they barely spoke to the children. The children were doing all sorts of inappropriate things and the teacher was pulling her hair out trying to reposition them into more appropriate positions. The photographers did not really seem to care. I know we can't really name names, but I just can't believe we're talking about the same mob. I took my son and the other little boy to the studio to do the 'catch up' shots and the photographers were amazing with them. The boys had so much fun...and it shows in the photographs.
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 07:46
BUMP :) How's the decision making going lisalou24?
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 07:45
OK so I am going to get shot down for this but we actually bought our puppy from Animal World. My heart melted when I saw her and I didn't want to leave her there. She is now a year old and we have had no health issues with her whatsoever, so whilst I do agree it is not an ethical way to make an addition to your family it isn't true to say that all puppies from pet stores will be riddled with health issues. She wasn't from Thailand she was from Holland just for clarification (again I do know about puppy farms, etc, and I know that by buying her we are keeping them in business but I couldn't leave her in the cage!). One thing I do want to say is that whilst Animal World does seem like a pithole they actually have been working with Jumeirah Veterinary Clinic for many years. When you purchase a pet from them you can take them for a full check up at Jumeirah VC at Animal Worlds expense. Dr Michela actually told us that whilst she doesnt support pet shops selling animals they actually do medically take good care of them. Again before everyone jumps at me I am not saying that buying a pet from them or any other shop is the right thing to do I am just giving my honest account of my experience! When we make any more additions to our family we would definitely either adopt from an anmial shelter or seek out an ethical breeder. Please forgive the rant to follow. It's genuinely not directed only at you. I'm happy that your pup is healthy, so far at least. The country the pup comes from is irrelevant really...if it's for sale in a shop to the first person with the cash, it has been produced by people who treat animals as commodities and could not care less where they end up. Every animal purchased in these shops supports and encourages this vile trade. A few years ago, before I had further educated myself, I very nearly bought a terrier pup from the same shop. He had been there for months, was going out of his mind, was walked ONCE A WEEK and was clearly very ill. The lovely ladies in here reminded my that by "rescuing" him, I was dooming more pups to the same fate. Years later I still worry about what happened to that boy. :( My heart melts for every single pup/kitten/cavy/bird... in pet shops and my heart breaks to leave them there, but I WILL NOT give the shop my money which they then use to go out and buy ten more pups/kittens... It's a viscous cycle of cruelty to which every sale contributes. I'm not trying to shoot you down. I'm just trying to make sure anyone else who reads this thread does not find any reassurance from your post. LOL...I'm harsh on this topic! :D Yes, you got a healthy pup. Yes, they seem to give some health care (not that I ever saw a shred of evidence of that), but, in my opinion, it is NOT EVER OK to buy from these people (any pet shop) and encourage the industry. In blunt terms, if the unethical breeding of animals ceased, there would be no need for shelters! Imagine that. I'm absolutely, heart-breakingly aware that there will be trade in animals for as long as there are people not prepared to do the research and WAIT for an ethically bred pup. It has become my personal mission to try to change the minds of even just a few people. <em>edited by Green-ish on 06/12/2011</em>
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 07:24
JS...try not to stress about food. Make sure she has fresh water with her and leave her alone for a while. She can do without food (possibly the best thing for her currently tender stomach). Once she's looking better, then you can slowly reintroduce steamed chicken etc. Sue's so right...our pets pick up on our stress. Calm yourself in whatever way works for you, and leave her alone! ;) Poor girl. I hope she's better soon. xx
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 07:17
My kids used a 'potty bench' by Boon. http://www.booninc.com/products/PottyBench Not sure if Just Kidding still stocks them. Mine are big kids so...my son was physically uncomfortable on a regular potty or one that fits on the big toilet. The Boon potty cost a bit, but it's been used by all three children so has paid for itself many times over with easy toilet training. I do agree with Jane...he's very little. Many children are just not ready until they are older. If you really want to potty train now, persevere. If it's causing stress for both of you, maybe wait a few months and try again.
 
 
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