Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

Green-ish
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 05:17
Bores in Dubai are both illegal in private gardens AND a complete, environmental disaster. Please don't contribute to stuffing up the natural water table. Fresh water is a rare and precious resource in the desert.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 05:07
for visitors? We were at Madinat Jumeirah and found the stuff there to be quite expensive, anyone know where to take guests to buy the kinds of stuff you find in the little shops in madinat jumeirah which aren't so over priced? Textile souk? At one end there are a few little shops that sell the touristy stuff and a fraction of the price of any stores. Don't forget to use the, "Now don't be giving me tourist prices!" speech. :D Some bits and pieces can be found in the spice souk too. Going to the souks, your guests get the real flavour of gorgeous 'old' Dubai and some of the soul that's really missing at Madinat. ;)
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 05:02
I think arm bands have their place when used properly, with supervision. Yes they can be risky if they slip off and the child is not supervised, but that's no different to someone trusting that a waist or jacket flotation aid won't tip them face first in the water. I'm with Claire...if arm bands feel right for you, they can be used very successfully for a short time and slowly deflated as the child gains confidence and ability. (same for waist/jacket floaties...parental preference really)
Green-ish
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 04:57
Happy Mothers' day from me too! I've had a lovely, drawn out Mothers' day. It started on Friday when my son's Prep class held a "Pamper Your Mum" morning. The Mums all had foot spas, hand massages, nail buff and polish, back rubs and story time in 'cuddle corner' with our children. Yes, I may have different coloured, really badly applied polish on my hands ;) but it was SO lovely to watch all of the little ones having some gorgeous one-on-one time with their Mummy's. My two older ones brought gorgeous crafts home from school and kindy and they've been particularly loving this weekend. Now we're looking forward to meeting my Mum down by the river this afternoon for ice creams and a swim. :D
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Latest post on 07 May 2011 - 10:43
I will ask Mr TwoKids when he gets up. We will be away for 3 weeks during summer. I'm feeling the tug at the heart strings:) Do I foster two cats, give a home to two cats or a home to a dog? Maybe foster Jude's beautiful cats to make sure ownership in Dubai is for you. ;)
Green-ish
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 12:16
Philly most of us come from countries where cancer treatment is not free. If I were in the US, my insurance would cover a small small portion of it, then the rest would be out of pocket. [b'>The UAE has NEVER offered free medical treatment for expats.[/b'> This is not true. It did for many years. I have nursed plenty of patients who benefited from this, including one premature baby born at 26 weeks to a family that were on holiday; his 3 month stay in NICU cost hundreds of thousands of Dirhams and the family were not charged one fil. That was only one of many similar cases, including many patients from MENA countries who came here specifically for free oncology care. This all started to change about 7-8 years ago. I knew someone who had a baby at 27 weeks in 2007. MONTHS of amazing care in NICU at Al Wasl and 100% free.
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 12:16
Praying the powers that be reverse the decision for those already in a treatment process.
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 11:57
I know someone in Green Community who does reiki...only in her home and very nearby as far as I know. If that area is of any use to you, let me know and we'll work out how to pass on details.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 16:56
Bump. :) I hope someone can help them out.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 07:27
Bump for Jude's kitties. :)
Green-ish
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 16:56
Bump :)
Green-ish
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 12:07
Lovely! And here I was hoping they'd come to Noosa. ;)
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 08:22
I went to a Christening a couple of years ago and bought gorgeous little crystal camels from Swarovski.
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 08:10
My son was at Star in Mirdif and one of his best little buddies lived just behind Lamcy. They had no issues with the travel times. The girl's Mum said it was an easy run against the traffic every day. This was last academic year.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 01:27
'Morning Shaz. Wish I had been there! xx
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 13:09
ha, another one! Before you had to say "050" before your mobile number! Because everybody's number was 050! Now that one was as recent as my time there! :D People who asked for my number used to look at me like I was a complete idi*t when I started with "050" and paused for a second for them to type that bit in. :D
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:57
It's worth knowing your child's weight and the correct dosage of paracetamol and ibuprofen then working out the correct dose exactly each time. Paracetamol - 15mg/kg up to four times a day Ibuprofen - 10mg/kg up to four times a day
Green-ish
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:50
Lol...me too. As the girls before me said! I hope all is ok wuffles. x
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:49
Where is she wuffles? In Aus, if you know her name and address, you can call the police, read them the note and they will do a "welfare check"...visit her to make sure she's ok and see if she needs help of any kind. (maybe similar in other countries?)
Green-ish
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:41
If ever there was a thread worth keeping somewhere for all to read at any time, this is it! Perhaps a permanent link to it somehow Mods?
Green-ish
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 05:07
BMAP...you are a star!! Awesome excuse for a shopping trip to the big smoke. :D
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 14:13
Wow! What a fabulous thread! Thank you so much for sharing so many amazing memories. To think I thought there had been a lot of change between early 2006 and late 2010!
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 13:48
Congratulations on the new job CT! Welcome home. :D
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:32
Some really lovely, helpful supportive posts here!! :D All I wanted to add was that my second baby didn't even start solids until she was just over 8 months old. She had been quite unwell and our paed advised sticking with exclusive breastfeeding until her tiny tummy had had enough time to recover. As a result she was probably 10 months old before 100% 'accepting' solids and her weight gain was a little slower than that of her older brother at the same age. Small sample group though and her growth may have been slower anyway. :) She's now a bright, happy and healthy 4 yr old. As long as your little one is alert, happy, playing, sleeping etc I'm sure all is well. (If you really want to know if he's taking in any solids, may I suggest a huge chunk of steamed broccoli? You'll know for sure in tomorrow's nappy if he ate any. ;) )
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:25
It's actually advised that too much washing can irritate the skin when it's inflamed. Best to leave it alone as it's usually not at all uncomfortable for the baby. I found using a little Mustela Milky Bath Oil (in most pharmacies) in the bath water and gently running that over the face at bath time helped. Certainly don't rub it or apply any oily creams. It will heal in time. If it looks 'hot' or sore, best to see your GP or paed. :)
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:21
Another 'vote' for Carters. They have some lovely sets with various brother/sister prints, at good prices too.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:18
I've just been through the childrens' money boxes that we forgot to exchange before we left. I'm pretty sure we have half of the 5fil and 10fil coins of the UAE here. ;) I'll give them to a Dubai friend who's visiting soon so they can go back into circulation. :D
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:14
With apologies for being completely unhelpful... Oh how I wish someone here (Australia) did threading. I LOATHE waxing and miss the wide availability of threading in Dubai. Most salons here (Sunshine Coast, Queensland) have never heard of threading. :(
Green-ish
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 07:42
You'll only find 25 and 50 fil coins, you won't see anything less than that. It's been like that for years, don't expect it to change anytime soon. Nope that's wrong, they actually have 10 fil coins (i have one) and am pretty sure although could be wrong that they do 5 fils too...... I often received the smaller coins in change at Carrefour.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 00:56
Well out of date info (sorry!)...but when I delievered there almost 18 months ago, we had to pay up front then claim back on insurance. Of course that was in the 'good old days' when a natural delivery package was a fraction of what it is now.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 00:51
My husband and 4yr old daughter are home now after attending the local dawn service this morning. We will remember them.
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 00:32
Oh, Curly, I hope I haven't freaked you out! I chose AW at the time because I had an opportunity to meet the head of ante natal care and I loved everything she had to say about the hospital and their policies on birth and the mother's wishes etc. Their push for Baby Friendly status including breastfeeding support and no nursery really appealed to me. I loved the calm and quiet of the place. Long story short, some of the OB's I met were completely unable to deal with someone who had her own mind and understood the whole process of pregnancy and birth. They seemed to expect their 'patients' to just be good little girls and do as they are told. One shouted at me (publicly) because I had a bit of a cough and I had therefor put all of the other pregnant women at risk of swine flu. FFS! One booked me in for a C-sect because I had had ONE high-ish BP reading weeks earlier. In the end, I had an amazing birth supported by a really lovely nurse. She had read my birth plan and she just let me get on with it...I knew she was there if I needed anything and it was clear she was keeping a close eye on how things were going, but she respected my wishes and didn't intervene at all. Don't be afraid to tell them what you want, or don't want. Don't be afraid to insist on seeing someone else if you are not happy. I don't know who the current head of ANC is, but it might be worth asking to meet her so you've got a friendly face there should you need it. Best wishes for a beautiful birth Curly. xx
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 17:02
VBAC is absolutely do-able for many women. If it's something you hope for, 'shop around' for a good OB who'll keep you fully informed and give you your very best shot at getting the birth you want. (Hiring a doula for support would be beneficial too. :) )
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 17:00
It's almost 18 months now since my little girl was born at Al Wasl and I'm disheartened to hear that the attitude of some of the doctors there has not changed, depsite their promises. I'm so very sorry you had this awful experience. Please do make that written complaint. Perhaps contact the hospital and ask for the details of the current Head of Ante-Natal Care and deliver it in person to her.
Green-ish
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 16:51
Calpol & Nurofen! If you use them at all for your little one, they are about one fifth of the price in Dubai!
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 11:10
Hi Greenish, so you booked the tours in Istanbul when you get there? or did you book it from here? Has anyone out there done a package deal from dubai? The couple of tours we did, we booked once we got there. There's a huge strip of travel agents very close to all of the main sites in Sultanahmet. One of the Bosphorous cruises we did was a fraction of the price anyone in Dubai could quote.
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 11:04
No I haven't contacted K9 but I wouldn't want to give them to that place, would rather keep them with me until someone could take them - do you think they'd just give me the contact details of people who are looking? ... "That place" does amazing work in re-homing dogs. They do have LONG waiting lists of people looking for small dogs and everyone is interviewed in great detail before being allowed to adopt a dog. The management 'staff' (all volunteers) say that they treat every single dog as if they are re-homing their own pets. K9 has years of local experience in finding good homes. Do you know what to look for in a new owner and how to sort out those who'll lie and say what you want to hear so they can take your dogs. Please consider K9. I'd bet your dogs would be in a loving, forever home within a week! <em>edited by Green-ish on 22/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 10:59
Can you give her another go chippy? Seems such a shame if you're willing to give her a home that she misses out because your cat was cranky for a day. Much more fair on kitty to give her her own space separate from the dog for a while so the cat can get used to doggy smells then slowly introduce them to each other. Some of the ladies here are experts on introducing new animals successfully. :)
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 12:59
I enjoy all the feedback. Now I am wondering if anyone out there have done Turkey/Istanbul tour package from Dubai. I went to Cairo,Aswan,Luxor and Nile cruise on a package deal and it was convenient and economical. I like recommended tour packages... so anyone? We went to Istanbul last September and found it much, much cheaper to book everything ourselves. We were travelling with three children (5, 3 and 10months) and did not come across a single package that catered well for kids or was of a reasonable price. We had 10 days in Istanbul and only just scratched the surface. I could have stayed there for a month!
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 08:18
Wow. What an opporunity for her (and for you!). There are some experiences that just cannot be had in the classroom. Sounds like there are exciting things in the pipeline for family aroha!
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 04:14
Awww....lovely work ladies!! And no Yorkshire Pud, the baby brain never goes away! :D
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 04:11
I sent my husband first to find a villa, wait for the shipment and get the beds and kitchen set up. The children and I waited in comfort at home (with relatives) until all was ready. :D Yep, he's a good man!
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 04:08
I found that Huggies leak and the lining of pampers stick to your babies bum so if its slightly sore and you have to peel it of its hurrendous! I always used Sainsburys own at home which are brill! And in Dubai I tried all different ones but settled on Carrefours own, just like Sainsburys back home :) I was impressed Unless I've misunderstood, I think she's looking for nappies in Australia. ;) No Carrefour here! :D
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 18:56
I found the best and most cost efficient nappy to be the home-brand nappy from Aldi! I only use disposables at night and agree, these ones are good value for money. I'm boycotting Aldi at the moment though since I realised they stock products that appear to knowingly copy other brands!
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 18:48
I guess that's the right thing to do with that plant food then. I never used it so it's hard to give advice. I certainly wouldn't feed a bougainvillea that often though. I only ever went to the Garden Centre once and the utter numpty who served me had no idea what he was talking about so I never went back. ;) Interesting that nada's experience is that bougainvilleas need lots of water. We had a few in enormous pots for almost five years. They were outside the boundary fence so occasionally watered when I could be bothered dragging the hose out there and rained on if they got lucky. I fed them *maybe* twice a year. I added fresh soil twice in those years. 11 months of the year they were in full, glorious bloom; one month during 'winter' they'd calm down and drop a lot of leaves. If the soil is wet and they are drooping, they are being overwatered. If the soil is dry and they droop, they are desperate for a drink. ;) Make sure they are not left standing in trays of water. If you have drip trays under the pots, try to elevate the pots so they are sitting above the water. I used to put pot feet or broken pavers in the tray, under the pot.
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 18:21
You could also be over-watering and over-feeding! In really hot climates, plants in pots that don't 'breathe' will almost literally boil if there's too much water around their roots. Water needs to be able to evaporate from the pot to keep the roots cool. Most plants will do best in [u'>big[/u'> pots that are not glazed and soil kept just damp. What fertiliser are you using? Even heavy feeders like petunias won't need much if you're using a slow release fertiliser. Bougainvilleas THRIVE on neglect. Water only when almost dry, feed sparingly & rarely and pretty much ignore them until they become messy and need a good haircut.
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:20
What is the tour 'the soul of Dubai'? Sounds great! She is only kidding but meaning just to get out and discover bits of Dubai that we forget are there - hanging out by the creek at sunset, getting off the beaten tracks and having shwarmas etc, hopping on and off abras and listening to the mosques etc. :) I am 'kidding' in that there's no official tour, but if anyone knows how to enjoy the really lovely things Dubai has to offer it's the lovely miss b!
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:19
Have you asked Miss Balamory :D about that tour of 'the soul of Dubai' yet? Seems to me you need to discover the beauty of the place you live in. LOL! Couldn't do it without you Greenish! When you coming back to visit? Also we'd need to find Naif Road's pied piper again, not an easy task :D Awww...the pied piper!!! I'd forgotten about him. *sigh* ;)
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:16
I have lived through 4 Ramadans and I never enjoy them. They are very difficult, particullarly if you are new and don't know anyone. I am forcing myself out of Dubai for the month of August as I know that I will not survive another nor will my kids. This is a forum for opinons OK...so that answers one of my questions. Such a shame you can't see or feel the beauty of that time of year. Your opinion yes, but an unfairly negative one especially when given to someone about to move here. Perhaps best to share the facts rather than 'opinions' if you can't contribute anything helpful. Not like me to really get irritated in here! <em>edited by Green-ish on 12/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 12:14
1) It will be 45 degrees during the day 2) all the food outlets are closed until sunset 3) half od Dubai will not be around 4) you will go crazy Oh my SG. Have you actually been in Dubai through Ramadan yet? I've not read any further in the thread but, apart from it being hot, I can't agree at all with your thoughts here. Have you asked Miss Balamory :D about that tour of 'the soul of Dubai' yet? Seems to me you need to discover the beauty of the place you live in.
 
 
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