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Green-ish

Green-ish
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:07
I hope we don't see pets on planes a matter of course It will never happen on some international routes...quarantine laws and all that!
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:00
I believe dogs and cats up to a certain (very small) weight are allowed on board on some European flights. I have no problem with it because I would just choose another airline. :D
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 12:58
I don't really buy this "cultural" thing. Some cultural practices are just plain wrong. got to agree with your there Suze....earrings, shaving baby's heads, cutting off their foreskin...all plain wrong in my view...does it really say it is obligatory in the applicable holy books - I doubt it very much I feel the same way (apart from the head shaving, in which I see no harm) I think "cultural" is an excuse. I just don't see how someone living in a relatively educated society can justify making such choices for their very young child.
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 13:29
... I think because the door is shut to stop DS2 (8 weeks old) waking his big bro up, DS1 wants to know we are still there because he can't hear the TV or anything like that anymore with his door shut. ... Sorry for chopping your post up. :D Three babies later, we took a while to work out that our children all sleep better with the door open and a distant light on somewhere. The older ones never even stirred when each newborn was doing the 2am scream...I was always envious of their ability to sleep through it! ;) My eldest was doing just what you've described and as soon as we stopped shutting the door, he started sleeping through again. Same is true of the younger two. Maybe coincidence and maybe each was going to sleep through anyway once we started leaving doors open...but when you're knackered anything is worth a shot, right? :)
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 07:24
Again...a quick and superficial search, but here are the first few links that came up: http://tiny.cc/9t87dw http://tiny.cc/7v87dw http://tiny.cc/kx87dw http://tiny.cc/tz87dw Some say they are safe, some not...but there's some information to ponder. I'm a firm believer that we can't cotton wool our kids from all of the risks and hazards out there, but we can make sure we are as informed as possible and try to make the best decisions we can based on the available information.
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 07:17
...and to put another possible damper on it all... I read here somewhere about chemicals leaching out of those big 'rubber' mats. By the time I read it, we had stopped using ours so I'm afraid I don't remember the details. I do remember wishing we hadn't used them! I'll go and have a quick look and see what I can find...
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 07:15
... Thank you green-ish for the advise. I did some reading yesterday on jumperoo and it was all positive but you have given me the scare so not sure if i want to buy it anymore. Can you suggest how to keep a 6 month old toddler entertained? I thought playpen could be helpful more like a big baby den where lo can play with toys, roll over etc.. Hi again sherryd. Here's just one discussion I found on a rather superficial 'google'... http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=164314 A quote from that... [i'>"I'm a pediatric physical therapist, and I've posted many things on this board when people have asked for advice about saucers...many of those same principles apply to jumpers. In fact, I'm even less a fan of jumpers (of any type) than I am of saucers. They can encourage tip toe standing, as well as an abnormal movement pattern known as "extensor thrust." They can put quite a bit of stress on the baby's spine, pelvis, and legs. They encourage a lordotic (sway backed) posture as well. It just isn't good in general from a postural standpoint. They can encourage muscle imbalances that can lead to postural issues down the road as well. Additionally, any time you use a "device" like a saucer, walker, and jumper, it can negatively impact the acheivement of gross motor milestones. Limiting the use to less than 20 mins per day helps, but personally I am not a fan of any of these contraptions. We don't own any of them, and when I was working, we actually had pamphlets that we handed out to families with research on the topic. I worked w/ a pediatric physical therapist when I was an intern, and she and her husband (a pediatric orthopedic surgeon BTW) were very very anti "device" of any kind (saucers, walkers and jumpers). That is how I got interested in the topic. I actually did a bulletin board for a pediatrician's office when I was a student that included research info on saucers, walkers and jumpers. The pediatrician was a friend of theirs and fortunately was very well informed. Most pediatricians don't know much about the topic. I know many people say their kids used these devices and are "just fine," but personally, I won't chance it with my own kid nor would I recommend their use to any parent who asks. For those who insist on using them, I would absolutely limit their use to less than 20 mins per day, but since you asked, I would recommend against their use as would every single pediatric physical therapist I know. Since you asked ;)" [/i'> I have a friend here who's a physio and she's the one who first opened my eyes to the possible negatives of jumperoos, walkers, bumbo seats etc. Essentially, I've always been told that babies and toddlers should be allowed to do things as they are developmentally ready to do them...not put in 'contraptions' that hold them in those positions before the whole body is ready to support in that position. How did I entertain my 6 month olds??...lots of hands on time, play on a large carpet, reading stories, listening to soothing music, few quiet toys that don't over-stimulate (I also loathe bells, whistles, batteries and light shows ;) ) and ensuring plenty of rest, back to sleep before they were over tired. :D <em>edited by Green-ish on 13/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 17:00
Hi sherryd...things do get a whole lot more challenging around the six months mark! :D Is there a particular reason you want a playpen? Would it be possible/practical to make a larger area safe for her to explore then use doorway and stair gates to block off rooms you want her to steer clear of? On the jumperoo...have you read much about them? All of those gadgets that help young babies sit, stand and bounce get them doing things before their bodies are developmentally and physically ready - many experts believe they are not good for babies' hip and spine development. Six to twelve months is a tough phase for the little ones as they become aware that they can move and they want to get moving and exploring...but they tire easily and get frustrated by their physical limitations.
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 16:48
Sadly, Jetset, cats go missing all the time...I don't remember a day going by without hearing of or reading about another missing cat. The only way to ensure your cats are safe is to keep them entirely indoors or outdoors in a safe enclosure. Are your cats microchipped and registered? Have you checked with DM? Vets? FF's? Various kennels and other rescue groups? Photos on Spinney's noticeboard etc? I hope your cats are somewhere safe and back with you soon.
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 12:11
I'm so sad for you Kristina. So very sorry this has happened. :(
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 12:03
Well, we live in Dubai, we have kept our house in England and we keep a car there too. The car is insured with Admiral Did you make it clear to Admiral that you are not permanently UK resident? Do you have written confirmation from them that they understand this and are still willing to insure you? If not, you have left the door wide open for them to declare your insurance void in the event of any attempted claim. It's usually a clause of UK motor insurance contracts that the insured persons are permanent residents. Check your Admiral contract, the relevant clause will probably be near the top. It's also the case that when you cease to be a permanent resident of the UK, your driving licence becomes invalid until such time as you return to live permanently in the UK. I have confirmed this with the DVLA, who say that when we get out UAE licence, technically the RTA is supposed to confiscate our UK one and return it to Swansea. [b'>If the above about licence is true, what happens when you come back to the UK for a holiday and need to hire a car??[/b'> ... edited by Dilys on 09/05/2012 Strictly speaking, the same is true in Australia. If you are granted a license in another country, you are supposed to surrender your Aus license. However, as the UAE RTA don't submit any paperwork to this effect (they essentially just sight the license and trust it is valid), there's nothing that will raise a flag with the Aus officials. I'm guessing it's similar for the UK.
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 11:14
I know I may be the odd one out here but I also want to say that it's not always devastating to have a MC. I had one at 12 weeks after bleeding for a while. I must say I was relieved. Don't get me wrong, about 6 weeks after the MC my hormones were all over the place and I had a bit of a hard time but in all honesty, I couldn't tell you now when my MC was or when the baby was going to be born or anything without really thinking about it. It makes me sound callous I suppose but I really don't think of it all as a lost baby, rather something that needed to happen at the time as nature determined it. Apologies to anyone who has had multiple mc's - I'm not belittling anyone's loss, just wanted to put my side across too. I don't think it makes you sound callous at all RL...it makes you sound honest about your feelings for your situation. xxx This is exactly why I think these conversations are so important. Women need to know that it's OK to feel whatever it is they are feeling. Every woman, every pregnancy, every loss and every birth...all unique.
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 13:09
,,, - Don't say, "It's not your fault." It may not have been my fault, but it was my responsibility and I failed. The fact that I never stood a chance of succeeding only makes me feel worse. This tiny little being depended upon me to bring him safely into the world and I couldn't do it. I was supposed to care for him for a lifetime, but I couldn't even give him a childhood. I am so angry at my body you just can't imagine. ... :( Yours is a beautiful post andreasmullet...but these words from your friend break my heart. She is/was/has been far harder on herself than she deserves. I hope she feels more peace now.
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 12:53
I haven't read anything other that the OP, so apologies if I'm repeating anything. I have used cloth nappies for all three of my children and I LOVE them...I'm almost going through withdrawals now that my youngest has toilet trained. ;) I HIGHLY recommend http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/ - they have a free questionnaire which you can complete online and one of their 'nappy ladies' gets back to you with information and recommendations on the best styles and brands best suited to your situation. There are hundreds of great brands out there. You can get a full set for as little as 500dhs or spend thousands! Once you buy the nappies, if you look after them, they will be good for two more babies so they are FAR better value than disposables. :D <em>edited by Green-ish on 08/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 13:35
We've always applied sunscreen to dogs, cats and horses with pink skin. :) As a child, we lost a cat to breast cancer which was secondary to her skin cancer on her nose. :( Most human sunscreens are either useless or toxic. Useless because they are licked or rubbed off too easily. I believe human sunscreens are more dangerous for cats than dogs as they contain chemicals which break down into salicylates (asprin)...can be deadly to cats. <em>edited by Green-ish on 07/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 12:31
Sorry to hear of your little one's ill health. My children also sufferred on and off throughout our time in Dubai. My son was the worst for colds and ear infections...we now know he has quite a few food intolerances. Since drastically reducing those (none 100% cut out) he is a MUCH more healthy boy. Perhaps start a food diary and see if you can find a pattern? Dairy and wheat can be particularly nasty when it comes to ear-nose-throat problems.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 19:55
I know this sounds obvious but is the maid actually usuing the exhaust fan while cooking? BH only turns ours on after he finishes cooking as he doesn't like the noise-so understandably it isn't effective-luckily he doesn't cook often! That's what I'm wondering... We had three 'smell issues' with out last maid - she didn't actually turn the exhaust fan on in her kitchen; she burnt enormous quantities of very pungent incense in her room; we had dodgy ventilation in the house which sucked exhaust fumes back in through the AC intake. Any one of those could be your problem, rather than the food on its own.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 19:16
Unfortunately, as we are leaving for the summer, a very looooong summer break, we will not be able to care for him and nor do we have anyone willing to do so. Won't you want your bunny when you return if someone can take care of it for summer? Perhaps not-sound familiar? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=124281 :( Cali...there are any number of businesses that will take care of the rabbit for you while you're away. Homely Petz, Posh Paws, most of the vets probably have staff who'd look after him (for a fee). Please do the right thing here. Or if you are determined to re-home him, maybe think twice before getting another pet after the summer.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 19:06
Congratulations on your pregnancy ladybird! :D I had my third baby at Al Wasl/Latifa, but that was over 2 years ago now so my experience may be quite a bit out of date. As I understand it, you still have quite a bit of time before you need to be registered at Latifa. Best to call them or visit and ask to speak to the head of ante-natal care (be insistent!) and find out exactly what their current policy is on booking in and paying for your ante-natal package and delivery. Unless things have changed, they only do very basic blood tests and standard scans later in the pregnancy. A Nuchal Translucency scan is usually done around 11-13 weeks. Since Latifa or clinic staff won't see you until at least 16 weeks, you'll need to organise this yourself, if you want to have it done. ( [url=http://www.babycenter.com.au/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/scans/nuchalscan/'>NT Scan[/url'> ) What lots of women do is to see their trusted GP or a private OB for the first few months, then transfer to Latifa. At Latifa, they will want some of the blood tests repeated, but this is all included in the cost of your package anyway. Enjoy your pregnancy! Keep asking lots of questions here...we're all happy to help. :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 06/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 18:54
Love and prayers coming your way DC. xx
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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 12:10
I agree that a live-in maid might work best for you. I agree too to hire her well before the baby comes, do all of the training and get her some first aid qualifications, be 100% sure she's clear on your expectations and that you can actually work with her. There is always a chance that the first woman you hire won't work out for you, so you need time on your side. Good luck!
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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 12:02
Green-ish Please be assured that we are experienced tortoise owners. This particular pair of our tortoises have been together for 25 years and we do try to destroy any eggs when they are laid, as we do know how diffuicult it is to find good long term homes for them. However last year we must have missed a few. So I would have been better to say they were prolific maters rather than breeders! Any hatchlings that leave our house will go with a fact sheet and our ongoing guidance on their care. They would also be eligible for Cites certificates as the parents have them. Fiat500 edited by Fiat500 on 28/04/2012 ..."prolific maters" :D Great to hear that you've got it all under control...most of the time. ;)
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 14:39
If Johjoh's tortoises find a home and anyone is still looking for a pair of African Spur tortoises, have several youngsters that need homes. Our pair are prolific breeders! Ummm...separate them? People who actually know how to care for tortoises are few and far between. Please consider stopping breeding!
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 14:01
Andrea...I get it! Completely! Why not give yourself a timeline? Book the pup into a kennel for two weeks so DH takes the pressure off at home and you can focus on re-homing. Give it 100% for two weeks (and I mean work REALLY hard to find her a home), then make a decision...bring the dog home or take her to the vet. Sorry, but that's the reality. I know what it's like to live with a DH who makes pet ownership difficult.
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 13:53
You could try contacting DKC. I *think* they sell airline approved carriers. If you look in the pet shops (Petland maybe??) be very sure of the airline regulations before you buy...don't just trust the staff or the sticker on the side. ;) http://www.dkc.ae/
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 13:19
After YEARS of wishing for a Kitchenaid, my husband bought me one for Xmas a couple of years ago. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Now, that said, I read somewhere recently that they are no longer made to the same, original high standards. I don't make bread and I have also read that the Kenwood leaves the Kitchenaid for dead in the bread kneading race. There is a more powerful Kitchenaid on the market, so that one might do the job for you. The Kitchenaid is mighty pretty...when I had space, mine had pride of place on the bench and was polished almost every time I passed it. One day I'll have extra bench space for it again. :D ETA: - If you Google Kitchenaid v Kenwood, there are dozens of results! - Hot tip of the day...don't buy one locally with a South African plug on it!! The first one my husband brought home gave me a good kick the first time I plugged it in. It MUST have a separate earth (ie three pin plug) !!!!!!! <em>edited by Green-ish on 28/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 12:22
Excellent news! So lovely that you'll still be a part of his life and can easily make a gentle transition to his new home. Your story could almost be mine. I think your husband and mine must be very similar! *raspberry to them*!
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 08:28
Thanks ladies to your replies - lets see now that he passes the vet check :D... I read about this horse somewhere wikkid. He sounds lovely! I hope it all works out for you. :)
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 08:28
Hi wikkid! :D
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 08:23
Andrea, the kennels often have no choice but to suggest euthanasia. Unfortunately, they are inundated with calls every single day from people who need to get rid of their pets 'urgently'. The shelters simply cannot help every dog. If the situation is genuinely urgent, then sometimes euthanasia is the only option. Nobody likes it, but it's a fact. Better that than leaving them on the streets or in the hands of a fighting ring. :( I really hope something comes through for your pup. You need to be 'aggressive' in advertising her. Is she on Dubizzle? Is she in the book that's on the front desk of almost every vet? Have you called all of the rescue groups? Do you have photos and information up on your local community noticeboard? Are you talking about her to every single person you have a conversation with? Have you got the maid network 'advertising' her...maybe offer a finders fee if a maid's tip-off ends up interviewing as the perfect home.
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 02:35
It works! In the 30 days I lost 4kg, but was more impressed by the 12 inch fat loss on waist, lower stomach & hips :) You can watch level 1 in full on youtube & then I downloaded the other levels on itunes. You will need a mat or a rug under you for some exercises & definitely hand weights to add resistance. I now do her Ripped in 30 & Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism workouts. Did you do it every day for 30 days? Level 1 only or you alternate? I think it gets a bit repetitive, doesn't it? The idea is to do the 30 min workout every day day for 30 days. There are three levels on the DVD which 'attack' the body in different ways...the theory being, by doing short, INTENSE workouts and changing it regularly, you get fast results. So 10 days on level 1, then 10 days on level 2 etc
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Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 02:32
STILLadviceseeker...I agree with you on all points bar one. Taking a dog to a shelter for re-homing is not "dumping" if all other avenues have been explored or if there is urgency in the situation. Taking a dog to a shelter may not be ideal, but at least the dog is safe, fed, cared for and has vet care. That's not 'dumping'. Picky, I know. And let's face it, if Luddite's pup went to K9, he would be there for about 24 hours...long enough to be thoroughly vet-checked; for phone calls to be made to any of the families on a long waiting list for small dogs and for those families to be interviewed to find the best possible candidate for adoption. Luddite...you're doing the right thing. I've been in a similar situation to what you describe here and it would have been just plain cruel for me to keep the dog in the house for another day. Awful. :(
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 15:48
Try that company called 'aquanet', Instead of a fence you get a cover for the pool it looks really safe and surely must be more economical edited by cushion on 27/04/2012 I personally think the net is absolutely the safest option there is, assuming of course that all adult users of the pool can be trusted to put it back on every time. Depending on the size and shape of the pool (because they are all custom made and fitted), the net could cost as much as that fence quote though. Fencing has the potential to be useless if people don't keep chairs, tables, pot plants, toys, garden taps etc etc etc well away from them, on both sides of the fence. With the correctly fitted net, there is simply no possible way a child can get near the water. Sorry for the mild rant. We have some of the toughest pool fencing laws in the world where I live...yet children drown here every year because they are not kept out even by correctly installed and functioning pool fences. Another one just down the road this week... <em>edited by Green-ish on 27/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 12:50
I've never heard a bad word about any spot in Italy for a holiday. :D We stayed in a couple of different villas in Tuscany. Our favourite was a little way outside of Arezzo...great, central location for day trips out, near the Umbrian border and all of the wonderful things that area has to offer. My tips from our experience - my ideal holiday villa would be in or walking distance to a small village that has at least an 'alimentari' (corner store) and macelleria (butcher) , in a fairly rural area and with a pool. The bigger towns and cities have massive Carrefour-style supermarkets...but we much preferred the village life and fumbling along with Italian. There's nothing quite like the Italians and their friendly, welcoming attitude, especially when you try to speak the language. :D We found our villas on http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/ - unfortunately our favourite one has been sold and is no longer available for rent. There's also http://www.agriturismo.net/ I really don't think you can go wrong in Italy. Grab a map, think about what you really want to see, then pick a handy location to stay.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 16:17
Is she on the wait list for paid boarding at any of the kennels?? It will be less stressful for you, given your child's health, if the pup is out of your home. Even once she's in a kennel, you can still advertise vigorously through all of the usual channels. I hear your stress, but Choc's is right. The "take her or I'll put her down" line rarely works. :( I hope you do find a solution very soon.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 13:53
New puppy??? :D What's happened in the last few days? Who/what is the lucky pup???
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 13:45
I'm sure we used Panacur for the puppies at K9. If that's what it was, it came from any of the vets.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 13:43
My answer is always Italy! :D Rent a stunning, ancient villa with your own pool and laze the days away eating amazing fresh, local food and seeing beautiful sights. Italians adore children so you'll have offers of help wherever you go.
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 13:40
just had a coffee Sue (no bikkies) - feel SOOO much better lol Ended up taking my headache to bed last night and woke up at 3am and still had it. So frustrating! Been here before and I know you get through it, but was wondering if there were any tips to help that I didn't know of. Chocs and Sue are right...it's like a withdrawl, and the toxins flushing out. I get SHOCKING headaches if I suddenly cut caffeine so I have to wean myself off it. Since the coffee made you feel better, that's probably the main source. Maybe just cut down slowly over a week or so?
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 16:05
Does anyone have a peg perego aria twin they want to sell? edited by rumis on 25/04/2012 Yes, but it's in Australia! ETA: Oops...meant to add, did you contact TurkishDervish below? <em>edited by Green-ish on 25/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 16:04
I only began to understand this stuff after a guided tour of the Tate Modern where there was a felt pen rectangle worth i don't know how much. It's to do with the journey rather than the end product, so this particular artist was highly skilled as a representational artist (as was say Picasso) but he chose not to do that but to do a rectangle. If you were well up with all his previous work this would therefore mean something to you - a statement about art as it were - sorry I can't explain very well. I still can't see why people would buy it but I understand better why they might look at it and find out about it and ponder it. I have visited enough art galleries and done enough audio tours that I 'get it' to some degree. I sometimes 'get' what the artist might be saying or representing, but I will never, ever 'get' the price tags. Millions of dollars for a scribble or a rectangle? Really? It's a bit like buying a plastic highchair from IKEA and paying 50dhs...or buying the exact same item by Stokke for 1000dhs. I'll paint my own rectangle thanks. ;)
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 13:47
Everything baby related, and I mean EVERYTHING is cheaper in Dubai. I'm in Aus and the only thing I suggest you definitely buy here are things you can't get anywhere else...ie Aussie brands. :D Be aware though, there are very strict "Australian Standards" regulations on baby items like cots and car seats. If the ones you use do not meet Australian standards and the baby is harmed while using them, you can wind up in legal trouble. That said, we risk it and use a sturdy cot, bought in Dubai for a quarter of the price it would have been here. I would not use non-Aus-standards car seats here. Police are known to pay attention to the seats if you're ever pulled over for any reason. I think both cots and car seats are legally supposed to have the appropriate Aus Standards sticker/tag on them at all times. Here's the first site that came up on a quick search... http://www.babysafety.com.au/faq/default.aspx Definitely stock up on as many clothes as you can get your hands on, especially at the sales. I find the range and prices here are awful. I'd give anything for a sales shop at Mothercare, Carters and even Woolworths etc. Even Pumpkin Patch is cheaper in Dubai! Think seasons ahead and stock up. ;) IKEA is way cheaper in Dubai!
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 15:31
Hi Majoe...congratulations on the move to Australia! It's pretty much perfect here. :D You might get more useful information from someone who actually likes the Gold Coast. ;) I don't mind it as a place to visit or holiday and when I lived there and worked locally, I enjoyed much of what it has to offer. I prefer either the south end of the coast (anything close to the water and south of Burleigh) or in the hinterland (parts of Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera. Molendinar, Southport, Parkwood, Labrador area have some lovely parts and they are conveniently located for M1 access to Brisbane or further south. There are good private and government schools all over the coast.
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:07
Fantastic news Belac. :)
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:04
Nippy's still missing hers, while Belac has found hers! ... Wonderful news for Belac! :D Let's keep this up near the top in case Sophie pops in.
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 14:03
... Redcliffe research it is then! I keep changing my mind every day now http://www.redcliffe.net.au/ Lol! If you end up at Redcliffe (or anywhere Northside) you'll only be a little over an hour from the stunning beaches where I live. Coffee together on Hastings St in Noosa one day maybe? :D
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Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:49
Ok...if it's river-side living you'd like, then I think you can't go past a gorgeous apartment ("unit" in Brisbane speak) ON the river at Bulimba, Teneriffe, Newstead, Newfarm, Kangaroo Point etc. All have great cafe and restaurant strips and are a short ferry or City Cat ride to the CBD. It's also fairly easy to get to major arterials from any of those river-side suburbs for quick day trips or weekends away on the coast. I love parts of the Gold Coast, but I have lived there and loathed to travel to Brisbane. Aside from the travel, and compared to other Gold Coast locations, life at Hope Island feels just like living in a gated community in Dubai, with an equal lack of charm & character and even less privacy if you live on the water as every word of every conversation travels across to your 'neighbours'. ;) Another water-side location worth considering is the Redcliffe peninsula. The drive from Brisbane is under half an hour on much less stressful roads than the M1 to the Gold Coast. As you approach the peninsula, you cross the bridge and instantly feel like you're on holidays. There's a huge variety of accommodation to choose from...classic timber Queenslanders through to modern, water-front apartments. LOL...just re-read my earlier post and I've already sung the praises of Redcliffe. Oh well, just trying to get my point across. :D
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:35
BUMP! Mods...are you able to contact Sophie27 and let her know there are some people keen to see if she has their missing pet? Pretty please?? :)
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 12:47
Why oh why do we not have a PM function so we could alert Sopie27 about the replies? :(
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 12:03
Lol! I hope you're writing all of these little things down. I did for my first baby, then kept a few notes for number two and I couldn't even tell you what my third child's first word was! And of course your baby is the smartest baby ever! :D
 
 
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