Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 12:19
Hi Suzy...maybe have a look at the thread I just started about Michelle Bridges 12WBT. I have just signed up after some glowing reviews from a few girls I know. My second pre-season task was to get real and face all of the excuses that have stopped me from getting leaner, fitter, stronger... Like you, I have small children (6, 4 & 1) and am busy, busy, busy. All excuses. ;) At least with the 12WBT you get lots of support and help getting in the right mindset. I have had success with WW before, but WW's really only works on diet, not your exercise or headspace. :)
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:39
...we saw twice now a car with loads of kids standing and stuff and the police car in the next lane who dont do nothing!! Or the police smiling and waving at the cute kids hanging out of the sunroof on SZR. Hats off to you (again) Redlesley!
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:13
We were in Dubai for five years and only one of our children had the TB vacc...she was born there and I had been led to believe it is compulsory at birth. (it's not!) Dr Khan was also our paed and while I have huge respect for him in diagnosis and treatment of sick kids, I did find his opinions on vacc's and disease rates were not consistent with those of current WHO recommendations. Ruthie, why not do your own research of the vacc, it's effectiveness etc, then decide what is best for your situation.
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 14:00
For that budget I'd go for a near-new Toyota. Can't beat their re-sale value and Toyotas have hands down the best AC on the market. Hyundai in Australia is winning best/safest car in many of its classes year after year now. They are definitely not the 'cheap' pieces of nastiness they used to be. The problem with buying Hyundai in Dubai is that the message hasn't reached there yet so resale is rubbish.
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 07:01
Lakshmi, does it need to contain all of the listed items? (Like getting a cap may be difficult, and i hardly ever see workers wearing baseball caps anyways) Can some of the items be used but in very good condition? (t-shirt, towel) Can there be extra items, like little gifts? In the past it was always all new items exactly as described so that all recipients get basically the same thing. (eg - one new disp razor, not a pack of 6) Nothing extra, no food, no cash. Carrefour always has caps, usually hidden at the bottom of one of the men's clothing aisles. They do all wear their nice new caps for a while at least after the appeal. :D <em>edited by Green-ish on 17/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 06:53
Fair suck of the sav, LT ;) What on earth is that in English? I don't think Simpleas was ever in the Brownies. It's Aussie slang for "you've got to be kidding". ;)
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 16:30
Around 150,000 would be my opinion Reading your original list again AR, I agree with basil. 150K as an absolute minimum for all of the things you've listed. More if you will be paying off the nice cars, renting the nice house (rents are ridiculously high in any sought after areas and often the houses are dog boxes). Significantly more if you want more than camping trips for holidays and Macca's for your dining out. ;)
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 16:21
We're on the Sunshine Coast, but comparing to friends in various parts of Brisbane, the cost of living is not very different. It's EXPENSIVE to live here now. I cannot believe how much cost of living skyrocketed in the five years we were away. My husband is on 'good' money but I will need to go back to full-time work next year so we can start making steps forward. No flash house or private school for us; homebrand groceries; never eat out; not sure where the money will come from for new clothes for the children as the weather warms up and they've all outgrown last summer's gear. I know many people do it somehow Amy, but I can't see how a family could live comfortably on 80K. :( That would [u'>almost[/u'> cover our rent, electricty, childcare, auto/contents/medical insurances, car maintenance, petrol.
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 14:16
Oh PN...I'm so sorry the bird didn't make it after all of your efforts. :(
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 10:33
The OP disappeared a few minutes after I posted my reply, but she showed as having only 2 posts, which really means one post. I really hope there are NOT breeders here who would breed Huskies or Malamutes. I didn't even see the original post. Just the title of the thread horrified me and drew my (judgemental...lol) opinion. The rescue group is all tdale's work. Not mine. :)
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 09:56
Yes Edna. that looks like it, I wasnt thinking of trying to convince them it was the same fish I just thought replacing it like for like was the right thing to do (I can't imagine there was a huge emotional bond between the beast and its owners). .... Lol. Without meaning to put more pressure on you, don't assume they didn't care about the wee scaly beast. Not sure if anyone remembers my desperate attempts to save our ailing goldfish. Freshly made green pea jelly anyone? :D
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 09:47
I watched the press conference held by Daniel's parents this morning. I simply do not know how Bruce Morcombe continues to carry himself with such dignity and strength. I understand it's his passionate desire to always behave in a way that honours his son...I am truely in awe. The last 24 hours must have been some of the toughest they have faced. If anyone want to see the work of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation... http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 09:35
Could not agree more!! I will actually be starting a Northern Breed rescue here in Dubai; which will relocate rescued northern breed dogs to the UK / free of charge (and hopefully find them some homes ) I hope to have this set up by Janurary when the new travel scheme comes into play! *LIKE*!!!!
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 09:33
I completely agree girls! As I have so often said on here..."The more they sleep, the more they sleep." I'm quoting my very wise sister who's a mother of four. Well rested babies sleep more soundly and for longer. One of my children is pretty flexible and she copes with disruptions to routine and manages to sleep anywhere when she needs to then can sleep a full night when finally thrown into her own bed. My other two...upset the routine, feed them late, go out too late in the day, be around noisy people/places near dinner & bed time, mess with the system and miss their early bedtime and we are almost guaranteed to have a cr*ppy, restless night. To get all three of them to have a good night of sleep, I need to get the dinner/bath/bed routine happening early so they are all in bed before they are over-tired. It's a daily fine line to walk. ;)
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 15:14
I'm not there this year but since no-one else has replied yet, nothing within DFC was open through Ramadan last year. You could call the conceirge desk to check. Bistro Madeleine in the Intercon is probably open.
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 15:06
Book Depository prices can be very competitive. I bought quite a few books from them way cheaper than Amazon prices and didn't have to pay for postage.
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:59
sydneygal...if a short period of co-sleeping is a possibility for you, you could try lying down with him even just for daytime naps at first. If you haven't already tried it, you may find he feeds and drops off to sleep quickly and you'll pass out within seconds of that and finally get some much needed rest. If you can both master feeding while lying down, you may not get as much deep sleep, but it will allow you to get more rest than your current nightime jack-in-the-box routine. ;) Co-cleeping does not have to be forever and can work for short times when you're desperate.
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:53
... Have you checked his gums, and ruled out ear infection etc, probably isn't but just incase. ks has beaten me to it. Have you absolutely ruled out any other pain/medical issues?
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:44
I just put almost exactly what you've written on my FB page. This family has behaved with the most amazing dignity and respect throughout this long, long, long time.
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:39
Gorgeous! The kittens are cute...Lucy is stunning! Fingers crossed for new homes soon.
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:37
PN...you clearly have a massive heart and this little bird is relatively lucky to have been mauled in your home! At least you care enough to try. However, you are probably literally scaring the poor thing to death by being anywhere near it. Please either release it to fend for itself or leave it completely alone in a quiet, dark place until you can get a vet to agree to take it. Wild birds just do not survive human handling. Fingers crossed the little guy makes it.
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 13:23
Sema lina, stop being so negative. For some people it's worth coming here and 'trying' the place out before you make the commitment to bring pets with you. Better than dragging the poor animal here and leaving in your probation period because things aren't working out. That's what I did. I sent for my cat and dog 4 months after I'd been here. Be constructive or belt up for goodness sake. Hear! Hear! Where are you coming from Perce? Some of the ladies here might have recommendations of relocation companies there that can help to get the process started. Otherwise, the girls are right. DKC get lots of high praise here so they'll be able to get you sorted. Good luck!
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 12:16
If you are planning on breastfeeding, current recommendations are to avoid pacifiers/bottles etc (if at all possible) until breastfeeding is well established. This is usually for at least 6 weeks. Don't spend a fortune on cute pacifiers. I have bought a few in my time after desperate sleepless nights and all three of my children rejected them. ;)
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 11:52
HMM THIS IS SURPRISING !! :) WHY IS EVERYONE TIGHT LIPPED? Ummm...because it's summer and lots of members are away? Because it's thursday and the others are busy getting into the weekend swing? Because they don't know and have nothing to add? Why SHOUTING? lol
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 11:44
It may be as I suggested below...'just' a typical phase that many babies go through at around 12-14 weeks. All three of mine were more unsettled at that time. My older daughter sorted herself after a couple of weeks of exhausting patting and shushing. My younger daughter, you don't want to know how long it took to sort! By all means try the dreamfeed again and see if it makes a difference. 180mL is a lot so maybe he is genuinely hungry. If however is doesn't soon make a difference to better sleep, maybe drop it again and go back to the patting/shushing? If he's gone a time without 'needing' a midnight snack, you may want to think hard before re-establishing a habit you may need to break again. Might also be that he just needs a few nights to get used to the new, comfy sleeping bag. Something else to think about...do you always get him to sleep and tend to him during the night? Just mixing it up by getting someone else to deal with the night wakings might also put a stop to it. <em>edited by Green-ish on 11/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 16:52
So, how do the auths find out? Do they come knocking door to door? Is this an issue with just villas, or do appts also have a problem? Not the law part, but the discovery part. edited by FFK1978 on 10/08/2011 When we lived in Mirdif (on a fairly busy road) maids were stopped all the time either leaving or entering villas, or as they entered or left smaller, local businesses. I used to find it amazing that so many were still so willing to openly seek illegal employment...not even vaguely nervous about approaching complete strangers for work. I think the laws surrounding maid visas and employment conditions are grossly 'unfair', but they are the laws and I wonder how many can honestly afford the risk any more. Also, it's not just a 50K/100K fine for the employer, but deportation and a life ban for a woman who's possibly the only income earner supporting any number of people in her home country.
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 09:06
Dieting shouldn't make you feel hungry and weak cushion. ;) Don't compare yourself to the touched up photos of celebs...they ain't real! Healthy foods, sensible portions and getting moving are hopefully they keys to a trimmer, fitter me. I've a tonne of weight to lose and it's starting to fall off with just a few simple changes. I am most certainly not hungry either. :D Take care of yourself cushion.
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 08:56
I opted not to have TB when I delivered my DS2 at Al Wasl. Lets just say that they were not impressed but too bad! I went to see Dr Keith Nicol who I really trust and he didn't seem to think it was necessary. It's almost two years ago now, but I also said no to the TB vacc at birth at Al Wasl. The paed was (amazingly and impressively!) 100% supportive of my decision.
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 08:53
shelly...yes we do know who that is, but my understanding is 20 mins of being with baby, only leaving them for 5 mins and then going back in for another 20 mins, not the opposite way which seems awful, especially for a 6 week old!! Slightly less awful, but I still think any sleep 'training' requiring the parents to abandon a six week old for even two minutes is very bad advice. I understand gentle sleep training when it's [u'>really[/u'> needed, but 6 weeks is just far, far too young.
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 08:51
I stopped swaddling my little ones' arms in quite a bit earlier than 13 weeks (from foggy memory). Maybe try leaving his arms free and see if that makes a difference? With the dream feed...I reckon anything is worth trying if what's happening now isn't working for you. :) Give it a go and see if it makes a difference for him. Waking so often could be that he's too hot, too cold, hungry (less likely), thirsty, uncomfortable (swaddling?). It's going to be a bit of exhausting trial & error to sort it for him. He's also hit that age where they start to be a wee bit more aware of what's going on around them. Maybe he's just missing you and wants to know where you are? All three of mine had an unsettled phase around 12-14 weeks. I hope you're both getting more restful sleep soon. <em>edited by Green-ish on 10/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 08:45
I swear by amber teething necklaces. Maybe someone in the know could tell you where they are sold locally. Of course, paracetamol will also help if she's in terrible pain. Best to check with your Dr since she's so little and particularly special. :)
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 07:21
Baking soda in a thick paste with a little water will work. I'd be nervous about salt scratching the glass. :)
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Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 07:19
Why not just be hush about it? You don't tell, I won't tell. Did the fine actually go up to 500K as was rumoured last year? Or is it 'only' a 100K fine? Expensive risk to hope "hush" is enough to protect the family. Absolutely illegal on all counts.
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 13:20
steth...are you worried that he's more unsettled than 'usual'. It's worth keeping in mind that almost all babies go through a growth spurt at around 6 weeks and during this time they will want to feed more often and will be slightly (or very!) unsettled. If it is a growth spurt causing your concern, it normally passes quickly and he'll be back to his usual self. I agree completely with kiwispiers...6 weeks is WAY too young for any kind of sleep training beyond your normal routine. Watch him carefully for signs of tiredness (within an hour or so of waking at his age) and start your soothing routine before he gets overtired. That will make it much easier to get him off to sleep. Same routine every time so he knows what to expect and learns to associate it with relaxation and sleep. <em>edited by Green-ish on 10/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 13:13
...Back in Europe, there is simply no way I could have coped...but now???? Is your answer in there? Apart from perhaps financial constraints and having to work elsewhere, are there other reasons why you couldn't cope? Like you've already said, we always find a way to do what needs to be done. (Not asking you to answer any of that here...just food for thought. :) ) Massive decision ahead of you. Again, best wishes. xxx
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 08:20
While there's nothing quite like a pampering at this stage of pregnancy, please be sure the massage therapist knows what she is doing and has extensive experience with pregnant women. "Massage" is relatively safe but she needs to be aware of and careful of certain accupressure points etc.
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 06:32
That business makes me sick to my stomach but it's probably no worse than every other pet shop in Dubai. As much as I'd love to have a say on their page, I refuse to have my name associated with a "like" of their vile industry. As others have said, they are probably opertaing within the bounds of the local laws. To be honest, I'm equally as disgusted by the uneducated people who buy from them without a care in the world about the history of the animals they are importing. No (daft) clients means no (vile) business. <em>edited by Green-ish on 09/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 06:14
Happy Birthday BFQ&A. A pioneering group in the UAE. Long may you continue to support the Mums and Babies who so need you. Congratulations Frances. xxxxx
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 06:12
Be careful with cheese (sticks or otherwise) until the little ones are chewing really well. It's very easy for them to bite off a choking-size chunk. kiwispiers...if your little one is already having some dairy without adverse reaction, then he's probably fine with it. If there was going to be a problem, he also probably would have shown signs of intolerance while breastfeeding if you eat any dairy. As long as he's getting breastmilk, he doesn't 'need' cow's milk yet so just keep introducing little bits now and then. I'd suggest not giving him a drink of cow's milk until you're ready to stop bf'ing...he may find the cow's milk a whole lot less effort. ;) Lots of great info and advice on http://www.kellymom.com/index.html :)
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 06:00
I have three children - 6yrs, 4yrs and 21 months. I was 35, 37 and three months short of 40 when they were born. My first was born in Aus and the second two in Dubai. Sure, it helped having the option of domestic help while we were there but I would have chosen to have three no matter where we were in the world. Before we had children, I always assumed I would have two. Then I sat day after day watching my first two (20 months apart in age) play and thinking that the picture just didn't look complete. Now, our family feels 'finished'. I have no doubt we'll have the usual massive challenges ahead as they get older, get hormonal and I get older and less energetic! I wouldn't change a thing. Having three children is a whole different kettle of fish to having two. When they throw public hissy fits, you only have two hands to try to gain control with. ;) Many places where we seek holiday accomodation will not allow five people in one room (especially once the youngest is out of a cot). Mine are close in age so we still need three car seats which proves a great challenge in most non-seven-seater cars. My oldest had to go to a slimline booster seat quite a bit earlier than we would have liked. And of course there's all of the extra costs associated with each child...schooling, feeding, clothing, medical etc etc I take my hat off to parents of one child. That must be one of the toughest jobs out there. My three usually entertain each other which gives me the odd five minutes to get housework and cooking done. I have two close friends here (Aus) each with only one child and they have their hands full keeping that one gorgeous child entertained. Sure, mine make more mess ;) , but I definitely get more tea breaks in a week than those busy Mums do. :D Suzy...if you can sit down quietly and really think about what you want for your family, you'll know in your heart what's the right decision for you. If you and your husband are on the same page about that, decision made. Best wishes, whatever decision you come too.
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 14:06
She has been amazingly 'together' and dignified given the ordeal she's been through and the media now stalking her every move.
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 12:35
The gov't health card is relatively easy to organise and makes short work of the vacc costs. Some will try to tell you TB is compulsory at birth (which it is not) or that the baby must have the TB vacc in order to get a birth cert (also not true). HepB is usually given within days of birth. A Vit K shot is usually given very soon after birth. Vit K is the only one my little one had. Talk to someone in the hospital about which jabs they 'usually' give and when, then research (thoroughly and with the advice of a trusted health care professional) and work out the best schedule for your baby.
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 12:26
phil n ted is the best for this age difference. they have them in moe. they have the one that goes one next to the other or the one that u have one on top and one bellow they r really strong n very easy in use Lol...matter of opinion on whether it's 'the best' really. ;) I think the P&T is a heavy, clunky nightmare to use. :D
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 12:19
We feel we got a much better 'deal' by booking everything ourselves. Doing flights and accom on our own and booking tours once there was way better value than any of the packages we investigated from Dubai.
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 12:17
... We stayed at Saruhan last September ! We liked it, however, it is a bit far from the main sights, and it is an uphill climb to the main sights as you saidIt is in a residential area too, so you wont find many tourists. The rooms are very well aired and nice though, and the people are nice too. The best part was the rooftop breakfast. I will personally recommend Sirkeci area, that area is between Sultanahmet and the modern part of the town, there are a number of good hotels there ,including Erboy, Maywood and Best Town. LOL...we were there in September too! Wonder if we crossed paths.? :D I actually loved that it's in a residential area. I loved watching the local children play in the sports complex and loved how the local women all sit out in the street every afternoon to get their veges ready while they all chat. Probably the way it's been for centuries! They were all so friendly and invited our older children to help or play with the children they were supervising. I'd much rather be there than in a 'tourist' area. :) It is a big walk up the hill (I'm pretty sure my legs looked much better at the end of our ten days :D ), but so close to all of the amazing restaurants at the fish market. Kucuk Aya Sofia was a BIG draw for me too. I think many tourists would bypass it if they didn't know to go and look. Fascinating talking to the local artists at work there and sipping tea in the garden. Again, *SIGH* :D
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 08:32
We stayed in Istanbul last year and LOVED it. We were travelling with three small children (5, 3 and &lt;1) and stayed at a small, family-run hotel in Sultanahmet... http://www.saruhanhotel.com/ It's small and basic but clean, comfortable, affordable and close to everything. It's about a one minute walk from Kucuk Aya Sophia with it's lovely local artisans and tea house; lots of great local shops and restaurants and ten mins (uphill!) walk to Aya Sophia, Blue Mosque etc. The hotel has a lovely top floor terrace where they serve breakfast overlooking the water. *sigh*
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Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 03:05
Green-ish can i find Peg Perego Aria Twin here in Dubai??? Sorry....I'm in Aus so don't log on as often as I used to. :) I bought mine secondhand but it seems to be a popular stoller over there so probably is available. Maybe try calling Babyshop, Goodbaby, Mamas & Papas, Just Kidding etc to see who stocks it? Mine is now for sale, but not much use to you from here. ;)
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Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 12:50
Apologies if I'm repeating anything...haven't read all replies. I have a Phil & Ted's and really am not a fan. It's a heavy, cumbersome thing with nowhere to store shopping, snacks etc unless you spend even more money on panier bags etc etc etc. It's very, very long and can be a real pain in busy or confined places. I bought a secondhand Peg Perego Aria Twin and LOVE it. SO easy to move around even with two very heavy little ones in it. They sit side-by-side (so none of the fights I get about the back seat in the P&T); it has a decent storage basket underneath; fits through standard doors; genuine one-handed open & close; really good sun covers that pull right down if a child falls asleep; five point harness on both sides; fully reclines on both sides; can (with separate adapters) take a car seat on one side. It's awesome! Only one downside is that it takes up boot space because it folds flat rather than 'umbrella-style'.
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Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 12:57
Ramadan kareem everyone. :)
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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 09:44
lol...how does Noni read it with a straight face???