Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 14:28
White company has a sale on. :D
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 14:02
Hairspray! Completely soak the spots with hairspray then wash as usual. Because you've already washed and dried them once (and treated them with bleach...BIG mistake on white ;) ), it will most likely not take the whole stain out the first time. The stain will spread a little as the hairspray dissolves the ink. Either waste a lot of water and wash them over and over until they are stain-free, or hairspray them each time they need a wash until the stains are gone. (might take three or four treatments)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 12:25
But spongemonkey...doesn't my point (made somewhere in there!) also stand true? When we move to the UAE we should all be making ourselves very aware of the local laws and the enforcement of same. If people do not want to attract the attention of the authorities either don't engage in locally illegal behaviour or do it with a very low profile to fly under the radar. The OP has every right to peace and quiet in her own home. Especially since she's not even in a badly constructed apartment, there is no acceptable excuse for repeatedly making so much noise that she can't hear herself think. Given expats are guests in the country, IF the 'noisy neighbours' were locals celebrating an important event, the OP couldn't really complain. All these inconsiderate people have to do is turn the music down. If they can't do that after repeated requests, I think the OP has every right to call the police. If it was me, they'd get one more chance and I'd tell them involving the police would be my next step. From there they can choose to keep it down or expect a knock on the door. Their choice. They can always go to a club or pub for ear-splitting music if that's what they need for a good time. Sorry...rambling. I just can't believe some would accept this as ok behaviour from a neighbour anywhere in the world. Again, she said " at times" ...? I am not for a minute suggesting that this is acceptable behaviour ( if it were happening). I would be the FIRST person to do something about it - [b'>BUT I would try to do something myself first. In this case, if I had been round there twice then I would go one more time and tell them Sorry but this is enough and if it happens again then there will be a big problem. I however would like to think that the message had got through earlier. [/b'> I remember a thread similar to this before with one person who was outraged on a Thursday evening because music was being played and her child was in bed at 9.30pm. Similar stories of calling the police etc etc... I just think there has to be a better way. This is essentially exactly what I'm saying. ;) So we do agree there is a place for calling the police. The OP did say "at times" but these neighbours have only been there for 2 months. If I had needed to speak to new neighbours twice in less than two months and the poor behaviour continued, I'd be making that last polite request the second they started the noise again.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 11:03
usually the morning of the first day (never night). could be second day too but unlikely. Sorry...I didn't write all I was thinking. ;) I actually meant, in preparation for the first night so slaughter during the day. (is that right?)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 11:01
Have you tried Wolfi's? Or there's a bike shop in The Outlet Mall. For what it's worth...my 4 yr old learned to ride on a balance bike and took to a pedal bike in literally five minutes. She can't use foot brakes to save herself though. She's getting a bike with hand brakes for Christmas. ;) My husband recently caught an out of control bike taking it's 4yr old mount down a hill and directly into the path of busy traffic...also foot brakes only. ;)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:54
Just in case they do plan on doing it at home...isn't it the first night of Eid?
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:52
My AW experience is two years ago now (YIKES!) but my hot tip is to get to know both the Nursing Unit Manager and the Head of Midwifery! The girls I met are no longer there, but it's worth insisting on meeting the current heads and staying in regular touch with them. They are the people who actually make things happen at AW. :) I once had the privilege of meeting the CEO of the hospital...a lovely man who makes sure he has the best of the best running his various departments. <em>edited by Green-ish on 04/11/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:32
I often think that is one of the sad things about living here - people get caught up in a little "Me Bubble" . Those noisy neighbours are the ones living in the "me bubble."
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:31
But spongemonkey...doesn't my point (made somewhere in there!) also stand true? When we move to the UAE we should all be making ourselves very aware of the local laws and the enforcement of same. If people do not want to attract the attention of the authorities either don't engage in locally illegal behaviour or do it with a very low profile to fly under the radar. The OP has every right to peace and quiet in her own home. Especially since she's not even in a badly constructed apartment, there is no acceptable excuse for repeatedly making so much noise that she can't hear herself think. Given expats are guests in the country, IF the 'noisy neighbours' were locals celebrating an important event, the OP couldn't really complain. All these inconsiderate people have to do is turn the music down. If they can't do that after repeated requests, I think the OP has every right to call the police. If it was me, they'd get one more chance and I'd tell them involving the police would be my next step. From there they can choose to keep it down or expect a knock on the door. Their choice. They can always go to a club or pub for ear-splitting music if that's what they need for a good time. Sorry...rambling. I just can't believe some would accept this as ok behaviour from a neighbour anywhere in the world.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:16
Hi, I've been told Dr Carol Smylie has moved to Australia... With apologies for jumping in on your thread...REALLY??? Does anyone happen to know where? I could not be that lucky could I? (LOL...[u'>massive[/u'> country and I'm hoping she's within a day's drive. ;) ) Both Dr Smylies have gone to Canberra so they're close to their four kids but not in their way  very sad to see them go they were both fab. Not Canberra, Carins. I have done a wee 'google' and found a loose mention of a Dr Carol Smylie in Cairns. Bummer...that's two days drive from me! :D
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:13
I hate it when people end conversations with 'Chow chow' - argh what IS that? LOL !! its Italian I think .. Ciao Bella ... My children use 'ciao ciao'...they learnt it on holidays in Italy and it makes them smile. :) I love hearing them throw the occasional 'prego', 'grazie' or 'scusi' in their chatter without even thinking about it. "ciao" was my baby girl's first clear word. :D <em>edited by Green-ish on 04/11/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 10:04
One of my friends has a little girl who went only every three weeks or so while EBF! She was a happy, healthy little baby and the family's pead decided this was her 'normal.' I happened to be there for one of those three-weekly poos.... WOW! lol
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 16:42
Hi, I've been told Dr Carol Smylie has moved to Australia... With apologies for jumping in on your thread...REALLY??? Does anyone happen to know where? I could not be that lucky could I? (LOL...[u'>massive[/u'> country and I'm hoping she's within a day's drive. ;) )
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 16:39
Which "money plant" is it? I know two very different plants commonly known as money plant...and no doubt there are others! :) One is a succulent, also known as jade plant; the other is a vine also known as devil's ivy. Either way, it does sound like over-watering - the succulent will need even less water than the vine. Try letting the pot dry out almost completely then start watering again. Indoor plants are most commonly killed by over-watering. Make sure they get indirect, bright light during the day and water sparingly only when the surface of the pot feels dry. When the rain comes, try to get your pots outdoors for some fresh water. :)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 15:56
Unless one is required regularly or urgently (chronic severe asthma etc), most GP clinics have one and hospitals have them. My youngest had a few nasty respiratory infections in her first few months...one trip to the GP for a session on the nebuliser would clear her nasal passages and allow me to easily manage her breathing at home.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 15:51
I don't like the word "bogan", used in Australia to describe a lower class person who behaves in a certain way and wears certain clothes. Like a Chav? Yep...also known as a Bevan, Booner or Westie, depending on which state you're from. :D ETA: More like bevan, booner or westie. One wouldn't capitalise the lower classes! lol <em>edited by Green-ish on 03/11/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 12:55
Hurrah - she's out of NICU! And snuggled up on my chest :D :D :D :D. This my favourite bit :). Giant, annoying, Facebook-style *LIKE*. :D Wonderful, wonderful news. Let the babymoon begin! xxxx
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 12:53
Lol Eli...have patience. :) What are you going to do with the enormous, heavy roller once you've done this one-time job with it? ;) Rolling helps the lawn establish, but will not even it out.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 12:50
good name[/b'>' - I know it is supposed to be a polite way of asking but it just makes no sense!! I just think of it as a culturally appropriate alternative to 'Christian name'. Not annoying, just one of those ESL things. They could say 'given name' I suppose... <em>edited by Green-ish on 03/11/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 12:46
Maybe a silly question, but is the Plant Souk open on Fridays? Thanks! Yes and someone has posted the phone number on here They've posted the number for just one shop. There are dozens (100's??) out there. ;)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 12:39
http://www.homelypetz.com/ - they will have pet sitters local to your area
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 11:07
If you are looking for a timber bed frame, you could try Lucky's or Pinky's in Sharjah...we bought a King bedframe at Lucky's and it was not even close to the biggest they had. :)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 10:55
Yep, Greenish, this also works altho you have to be ready for lots of stares if you do it in public. Lots of hugging and "I love you"s also has a calming effect I find. Oh, I'm happy to do it in public! Lol...the children are more embarrassed than I am. ;) I'm also a massive fan of the 'huggy' variation. The thing is, it's sometimes VERY hard for either parent or child to actually *feel* that love at the time. Throwing the anti-tantrum and the giggles that follow gets rid of some energy and diffuses the situation. I pick and choose my method depending on my mood and the reason for the tantrum. Assuming of course there was actually a reason. :D
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 09:25
... i agree. i find it very sad that one expat would rat out another expat. we are all here on 'borrowed time' and how would you like it if your life, your future, your kids' futures are cut short because someone called the cops? some time ago it was unheard of for expats to threaten each other with the police. now it seems to be the norm. ... When did it become the norm to treat your neighbours with such a lack of respect? Why is it acceptable 'just' because of the laws of the country? If all other avenues (ie reasonable discussion) have been fruitless, the inconsiderate neighbour would, in any other country, expect a knock on the door from the police. Nobody is going to jail if they are not doing anything illegal. If they are doing something illegal they should shut the h*ll up so they don't annoy the neighbours! Simple really.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 09:20
I found the terrible threes far worse than the terrible twos. It's the same with a wiser, more knowledgeable twist! Nightmare! We had and will be implementing again soon for DC3, a naughty towel. It works on the same priniciple as the step/corner but it's portable so you can whip it out in C4 if necessary! Oh my....LOVE IT! I am SO (hate that use of the word by the way ;) ) going to go a buy Miss 3 a "naughty towel". Of course I'll give it some far more PC name when I explain it to her. My current method of dealing with a tantrum from any of them (6, 4 & 2 yrs) is to through a tantrum straight back at them...then stand back and have a good laugh with them as we all realise how silly, and fruitless, the foot-stomping-and-screaming is. :D
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 09:11
http://www.knitty.com https://www.ravelry.com :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 03/11/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 09:06
Now is a very good time to be top dressing, but I would not do it until the roots of the new lawn are established. It needs a half decent root system to be able to grow back up through the 'sweet soil'. Planting a new lawn then plunging it into darkness immediately may be too much for it to come back healthy and strong.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 09:02
For the OP, perhaps you need to look at living in some of the " compound areas" where there is security and an laid down by laws eg Emaar areas. edited by spongemonkey on 03/11/2011 We lived in one of those areas and our neighbour was terrible. He started partying on weekends and it gradually ended up happening eveery night. Hubby used to go round and they would turn the music down for half an hour then back up again. Security would come round again they would turn it down for a while then up again. Police came several times asked hime to turn it down. One night the police were round four times. Anyway he ended up getting a promotion and moving overseas so it was all nice and quite until we moved out. We lived in two villas in a mainly 'local' area and never had a problem. We moved to a gated community and experienced our first noisy/inconsiderate neighbours, all with zero support from the community officials.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:50
Haggis, shoe trees and Sensor Excel razors DH reckons "iz-a blimmin mockery" that we cant find these things here edited by sarahkay686 on 02/11/2011 ...in the 'shopping capital of the world.'
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:48
I'm going to hit the local library and start re-reading some of these myself!
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:46
CJ! Happiest of birthdays!
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:44
Loud enough to drown out the TV in your house is unacceptable no matter the time of day. No matter where we live, we should all be mindful of our neighbours. Special, local-custom occasions aside (Eid etc), it's not morally ok to disturb the peace. I'm a 'call the police as an absolute last resort' type. If your neighbours have apologised once before, then they have acknowledged they know they are not being considerate. If they were my neighbours, I'd approach them at a time that they are clearly up & about but the partying (?) is not currently under-way. All you are really asking them to do is to keep the volume down. If they can't still respect your right to peace and quiet in your home, then it might be time to call the police. Many of our home countries have laws about the level of acceptable noise, especially after hours. In my home country I'd have no qualms about calling the police if a neighbour ignored a polite request and was breaking the law or repeatedly being just plain inconsiderate. sm...why is it not ok to do the same in Dubai? Local celebrations aside, which we all know about and can plan for, why should someone accept appalling behaviour from a neighbour. Especially in Dubai, it's potentially more of a risk to deal with it yourself...
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:33
Hmmm...sounds like they really wanted to write for Mills & Boon.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:32
"Kid" For some inexplicable reason, "kids" doesn't worry me, but "My kid ..." just irritates me.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:22
Pip...I saw a couple of very sweet small dogs on the K9 Friends FB page. I have no idea if they are available for adoption, but it's worth trying K9 and giving a home to a deserving shelter dog. :) K9 Friends: 050 274 19 49
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:19
Well done Sue....as always!
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:18
Don't give up SkyKitty. It's not a uniquely "Dubai thing"...it's a "those people have no manners" thing. You'll find like minded souls when you least expect it. If your friend from home is leaving soon, does she have any good 'uns to put you in touch with before she jets off?
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 16:58
Little bit cute...little bit disturbing. LOL
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 14:23
One of the other mother's in my kids daycare when I lived in Scandinavia had a scary experience - she left her sleeping babies in the car to - literally - dash over the road to post a letter in a mail box opposite a car park - while she was on her way she was run over on the zebra crossing by a car - breaking both legs and knocking her unconscious - the ambulance was called and she was dashed to hospital - but nobody had any idea that she had been driving or that there were 2 babies in the car - it was first when she came round at the hospital and she asked about her kids that they realised and managed to get in touch with police and relatives to get the babies out of the car - they were a little cold but luckily OK given that they had been left alone in the snow for a couple of hours Not that I think that its EVER ok to leave a child unattended, whether it be in the car or elsewhere, but IMO the children were lucky in this case, and avoided a very serious accident, thank God. That's the point of the story isn't it? Had this happened in just about any other climate, the ending would have been tragic. I feel sick just thinking about the panic those little ones went through, left on their own...and the poor Mum when she came too and realised her children were in danger. Just so awful.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 14:18
I also like NAS and Vet Hosp. Other clinics that always get good reviews here are Safa Vets and Blue Oasis in Green Community.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 14:12
Poor little man...if mine ever get a rash I ban the commercial wipes and use really soft cloths with cooled chamomile tea. I make about 2 cups of really strong chamomile tea and keep it in a sealed jug...add a little of that to lukewarm fresh water at nappy change time. Perhaps make sure you're gently, but thoroughly cleaning the whole nappy area at every change, even when it's just wee. Be sure that he's 100% dry before putting on fresh nappy. BRAT diet - keep in mind for 'poo issues'. :D Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast - feed these when diarrhoea strikes, avoid when bunged up. (greenish bananas and white bread/toast)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 14:01
One of the other mother's in my kids daycare when I lived in Scandinavia had a scary experience - she left her sleeping babies in the car to - literally - dash over the road to post a letter in a mail box opposite a car park - while she was on her way she was run over on the zebra crossing by a car - breaking both legs and knocking her unconscious - the ambulance was called and she was dashed to hospital - but nobody had any idea that she had been driving or that there were 2 babies in the car - it was first when she came round at the hospital and she asked about her kids that they realised and managed to get in touch with police and relatives to get the babies out of the car - they were a little cold but luckily OK given that they had been left alone in the snow for a couple of hours Speechless. Thank God they were ok. <em>edited by Green-ish on 02/11/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 02:45
How is he today, elnino?
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 13:56
Of course kitty will find her way into the cot at the worst possible moment! ;) My sister's cat took up permanent residence in newly erected cot just before my first nephew was born. My brother-in-law installed a lightweight screen door on the baby's bedroom...cat couldn't get in, fresh air not locked out.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 08:11
Oh...and give the saline as often as you can. By keeping his nasal passages moist and the mucus moving, you'll help him to recover faster. :)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 08:10
Adol contains paracetamol/acetaminophen (same drug, different names) which is perfectly safe for babies from one month old if given the correct dose. Like all medications, too little is pointless, too much could be dangerous. As long as you have followed the Dr's advice (AND carefully checked the label for dosage advice), there is nothing to worry about. The Adol will bring the fever down and reduce any pain your precious little one is feeling. I hope he's on the mend very soon. Remember to take care of yourself and rest when you can. Baby needs a healthy, well-rested Mummy too. :)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 06:12
Best to call before you go no matter what treatment you're looking for. They seem to treat animals sometimes, and not at others. (numerous times in my yrs in Dubai, they did not treat small animals at all...for the general public anyway)
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 05:58
Big, giant, reassuring hugs DC. xxx I've had two of mine in NICU within 24 hrs of birth. It's stressful and emotional...but she's in excellent hands. Once she's settled, you'll be able to spend lots of time with her. Assuming all else is well, hold her lots and get as much skin-to-skin as you can. You'll master sleeping upright in some hideously uncomfortable chair. ;) (Maybe ask if they have a breastfeeding chair available for the two of you to snuggle in? Lots of love from across the miles.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 15:43
Although I think you are right, what do we expect when we correct people? For them to thank us and carry on, no they are going to be mad. [u'>Why[/u'> should they be mad? She did something wrong, put lives at risk and was pulled up for it. A reasonable person should admit fault, feel awful and apologise. ETA - AND learn to slow down! <em>edited by Green-ish on 31/10/2011</em>
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 07:59
Good on you Amanda!!! I could not imagine, in my wildest thoughts 1 great dane in my living room let along 4 lol...it would be like having 4 little horses lol...... Seriously! Do they fit through a normal dog flap, [b'>or have you replaced a door with a curtain[/b'>??? LOL!