Green-ish

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Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 05:24

Saw this ad on groupon, for some Ahh bra.. Wanted to know if anyone has ever tried it?? How was it?? I have 2 things keeping me from buying it.. 1) it is all nylon.. 2) it says one size fits all.. LOL.. I haven't tried them but they are advertised on TV every five minutes here! (Australia) They're not one-size-fits-all...you buy according to your t-shirt size. They are now in shops here, so I had a look (zero interest in buying but wondered what all the fuss is about...lol). The actual Ahh Bra brand is very thin/flimsy and the material very, very stretchy so I guess that's how it 'fits' all cup sizes. In all of the TV ads, there bigger busted women who claim they give amazing support. Those women are always wearing two or more of them to give a layered look. The 'very very stretchy-ness' of it suggests it's not actually very supportive when worn as one bra. The fabric feels revolting...plasticy! They are also very, very wide through the front so under any vaguely low cut shirt, you'd see the bra across the cleavage. In my humble little opinion, don't waste your money.

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Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 05:09

Oh goodness me DaisyG...you don't read this forum very often do you? All I'm going to say is PLEASE do not breed your dog. PLEASE do not add to the population of unwanted dogs in the UAE. PLEASE do the responsible thing and take your vets advice. Your dog does not need to breed for any reason. He will live a longer, healthier life as a neutered boy. Your vet has advised the only responsible option. IF you choose to ignore your vets advice and my advice, you will have a very, very limited pool of females to choose from in the UAE. It will be almost impossible to thoroughly check their genetic histories to make sure you will end up with healthy puppies. You need to have a long think about why you want to breed him. Because puppies are cute? So are shelter puppies who need homes more than your planned litter. Because you can charge a huge stud fee? *sigh* Because you want another Westie pup? Source an ethically bred one from a decent breeder overseas. Because your friends want a pup? Tell them to source an ethically bred one from overseas. Breeding in the UAE is irresponsible and inexcusable. The only dogs that should be bred there are the local saluki's...and even then the ethics are sometimes questionable. :( I may be the first, but I doubt I'll be the only one on this forum to tell you honestly that breeding is a bad, bad idea. Go book that neutering appointment. ;)

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Latest post on 23 March 2012 - 16:11

I don't think you can beat a Maclaren. They are lightweight, easy to operate and indestructible. Ours has been taken on many plane flights and thrown around by the baggage handlers and still does everything it should.

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Latest post on 23 March 2012 - 16:08

cafelate, what exactly are you worried about? Have you spoken to the team at Medcare so you understand exactly what their procedures are during labour and delivery? Sometimes just having the exact, correct, current information can be enough to put your mind at ease. If you voice your concerns, you might find they can make you feel much more relaxed about it all. You won't know how long your labour and birth will take until it's all happening. You really don't want to plan for a long drive to hospital when you have an option close by. Plenty of women have to travel a lot further than that for child-birth, but it's a potential stress you can easily avoid. If you do decide to deliver at one of the other hospitals, you need to make sure ASAP that you still have time to register there and develop a relationship with their staff. The Al Ain/AD hospitals will probably want their OB's of midwives to see you and collect a history and to get certain tests done (again). I agree with Macallen, that if you decide on one of the distant hospitals, you should consider staying very near there for the last 4-6 weeks of your pregnancy. Best wishes with your decision and enjoy these last weeks of your pregnancy.

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Latest post on 23 March 2012 - 15:58

Oh Eden...just pick your place and go! Husband, schmusband. lol You can do it on your own and have a great holiday. Our last planned family holiday to Italy was almost ruined when my husband's leave was cancelled just before we were due to fly. Everything was booked and paid for and non-refundable. So, off I went on my own with three small children (almost 5, 3 and 8 months at the time I think), for three weeks in Tuscany. My husband did fly over for the two middle weekends and he flew over to come home with us, but even mostly on my own, it was an amazing holiday. We rented a villa so it was like having our own home to use as a base for day trips. We had a pool so the children and I could have lazy days at home in the Tuscan sunshine. *sigh* Italians adore children and the food is perfect...all kids like good pizza and pasta! :D Italian is also a fairly easy language to bumble along in with the help of a good phrase book and the locals LOVE it if you give it a go. 6 hours on a plane is not so bad so maybe make that your maximum flight distance? (6 hrs to Rome. ;) )

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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 12:58

sounds like over submissive towards your hubby ... I would try a behavourist they do wonder sometimes. isn't verity back in country? she was great with my looney. She is amazing!! If you're really keen to help your dog, Verity will fix you so the dog can fix himself. ;) You can reach her on... cdotrosewarne1atbtinternetdotcom or (landline) four three zero four eight two zero or (mob) 050 three one two four four two zero.

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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 12:37

I'm no expert, but I think dogs wee like that if they are excited or being submissive...or both. Is he a young dog? Many out grow it, but some need training to get over the over-excitement or the submissive behaviour.

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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 12:27

I'm with sydneygal...you do what feels right for you. Co-sleeping doesn't have to mean forever. It's just about a transition back when the time comes. If it takes longer than you would like to get the little one out of your bed, you can always transition to a mattress on the floor, then eventually back to her own bed etc All of ours have co-slept for various periods of time and for various reasons. They are still only little (6, 4, 2) and all sleep all night in their own beds unless something is 'wrong' like illness, too hot or cold, nightmares etc If having her sleep with you is working, keep doing it. I'm like you...I love having them near for a snuggle at night. :D They are only little for such a short time.

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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 11:41

Guinea p1gs are great pets for children...there is tonnes of information on the internet about their care (just one site - http://guineapigsaustralia.com/home.htm ) Yes, they should be indoors through the summer. P1ggies are very heat sensitive and will drop dead in no time at all if allowed to overheat. That same website shows some typical indoor set-ups. Some things to keep in mind... - Please get two boys or two girls! Do not breed them!! Two boys will get on fine if introduced at an early age. We have two very happy boys here (Australia!). They are pack/herd animals and will literally die of loneliness if kept alone, so 2 is a minimum. - They wee and poo A LOT so might be a bit smelly indoors! Cages need frequent cleaning and disinfecting to keep them sweet smelling and the p1ggies disease-free. - They need a constant supply of clean water, good quality grain or pellet food, grassy hay/straw and at least 1 cup of fresh fruit and vege per day each. - LOTS of gentle handling in the early days and they will be gorgeous, friendly, confident little critters. Minimal handling early and they will be nervous and stressed around people (and may bite). - healthy p1ggies will live for ten years or more so they are not a short term commitment. Once you've done the research on keeping them and have a good set-up, they really are lovely little pets.

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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 15:56

My little ones love the little IKEA night lights. - http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/catalog/products/00150985/ Blues and greens shed a nice, gentle light on the room. Red seems to spook the kids. We always found most white 'night lights' are far too bright.

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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 15:53

Or just give whole pieces of food and avoid the big puree fuss. ;) Any food processor or stick blender will do the trick perfectly. No need to spend a fortune as you the puree stage doesn't last very long.

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Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 14:49

To the OP and dog owners. For those of us that don't have dogs, like dogs or want dogs their poop and pee is repulsive. If an adult did a **** or a pee outside I am sure that would repel you. Well dog mess is the same to me. Repulsive. Now I know that some dog lovers will come back with all the reasons under the sun why it's ok. But I am telling you that me and many others feel it is not. As for diarrhoea from a dog and being unable to clear it up - well you should go back and chuck some water on it at least. And nothing you say will change my mind. Easy to say when you're not 2 kms from home! So now we all have to carry buckets of water as well? Wow another 'logical' thinker. Oh how you make me laugh. Well maybe you could do the decent thing and go back in your car with a couple of bottles of water....as you say it does not happen otter eh? You sound like you are full of rules that apply to other people. And I imagine your dog barks when you are out and that is what annoys them also. But hey, I have only ever met perfect dog owners who pick up after their dogs. No one ever walks away from the poop do they? Strange that as it's all over the streets at AR. Yikes ChilliPepper...have you ever read any of Chocs' posts in the past? She's one of the most responsible pet owners around. Did you read past her first few posts in this thread?? She has said numerous times that she had it out with her OH because she agrees what happened was wrong! Not once has she said it was ok to leave the dog poo there. She just said the dog had unexpected, loose stools which could not physically be picked up. She did not know it happened...WHY on earth are you attacking her?? For goodness sake! You (like others) have latched on to this one tiny point in the whole saga. On general dog poo issues...it's been made frequently and abundantly clear here (EW) that the general consensus is that people should pick up after there dogs. I have never read anyone say it's ok to leave the mess everywhere. Perhaps this is not the right forum for addressing the issue?

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Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 13:24

For what it's worth sandfly, a 'proper' home birth doesn't need to be medically supervised. Statistically, home births have more safe/positive/healthy outcomes than hospital births. Homebirth is not for everyone. It is a great shame it is not even an option for parents in the UAE. I'm not trying to start an argument. I'm just saying that there should be no stigma, judgement or medical-profession-scare-tactics attached to a woman's informed choice. That choice should be a woman's right.

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Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 13:13

It is technically legal but no medical professional is allowed to be present with you at your home, which makes the legality of it invalid. Really?? Very interesting. I was always told (by OB's, midwives, doulas, AW hospital staff) that it's illegal. It's all in the details I suppose. :)

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Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 12:31

I have a Peg Perego Aria Twin, which I love. Easy to use, lightweight, fits thru standard doorways. Bought it too late and only used it a few times though, so now am selling it. Email me if you are interested [email protected] Have good reviews by other Expat Women http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=158373 Best double stroller we have used! Someone snap it up! :D

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Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 12:26

Quizzme is right. It depends on the school. When my children had their FS assessments, it was very low key and very low stress. The children (with parent/s) were brought into a classroom in small groups where there were various activities they could choose. The teacher just took a little time watching them interact with each other then spent a couple of minutes at each station just talking to the children. After that, IF the parents and child were comfortable they took small groups to another area so the parents could talk to various members of staff. The children went to the library etc. It was all about assessing their level of communication - ability to follow basic instruction, ability to understand and answer simple questions, English ability (UK curric) etc.

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Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 04:51

Thanks for all the insight ladies. I am dead keen for another one, however hubby is convinced that waiting another 2 - 3 years is better. not convinced as I kind of want to get all the baby stuff done together. If that makes sense. But we shall wait and see. Anyone know what the latest you can fly while pregnant is? Just to add to this thread. :) Having them close together, all of the 'hard' stuff (ie the exhaustion, daytime naps, nappies, teething, 100% dependence) is all over relatively quickly. In a relatively short time they are all old enough to allow the family a bit more 'freedom'. At the other end of childhood, they're all in school at the same time so more school fees all at once, but over a shorter total time. Leaving a bigger gap spreads all of that out. Leaving a bigger gap also means you have more time for each newborn in the first couple of years. Having three toddlers is wonderful, but the days do tend to blur together in a haze of exhausted 'coping'. ;) On flying...the usual latest date has escaped my mind at the moment. It's highly recommended to contact the airline each time you're planning to fly and check their policy. Once you start to show, I think it's worth carrying a letter from your OB every time. I've had friends refused boarding because they looked too heavily pregnant even though they were only 20-ish weeks along. I also had an airline try to stop me boarding once, but after some discussion, they accepted my OB's letter. Keep in mind, OB's letter or not, they can refuse you boarding at their whim!

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Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 04:43

you dont have to have it here in order to get a certificate, but i would highly recommend it, i was told years ago by friends who worked at the[b'> brit embassy and they said that all families would need to be vaccinated before they would allow them into the country [/b'>etc due to the fact that there are so many different nationalities and habits etc. Sorry busybee...just trying to understand what you mean here. The British Embassy said they would *need* to be vaccinated before being allowed into which country? The UAE or back to the UK? *Need* as in it's compulsory? Or just highly recommended? I would be surprised if any embassy can impose compulsory vaccinations on anyone. Clarity is important for parents trying to make these decisions.

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Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 12:56

Hi again hiccup...just checking in from the other side of the world. So much great advice here (and the usual slightly dodgy stuff :D )! I hope you got outside for that spot of exercise. You deserve to be taken care of, even if you are the one who has to do the caring with exercise, rest and good food. Take care of you. xxx

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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:48

Did anyone NOT get the BCG vaccination for their newborn? I didn't want to get any vaccinations at birth for our newborn as I had planned to follow the Dr. Sears schedule but he doesn't mention BCG because it's not something they give in North America. Any thoughts? My youngest daughter did not have the BCG (or HepB) at birth. It's all a very personal choice and as long as we're all making informed decisions, it's really nobody's business. :D As far as local rules go, some will tell you that the baby must have the vacc's at birth before a birth certificate or passport or visa can be issued. This is NOT the case. No vaccinations are required by law in UAE. Hope that helps.

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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:42

hiccup...you have been around the hallowed 'halls' of EW for long enough to know there are PLENTY of ladies here who would provide a shoulder for you to lean on. I wish I was there to help. Why not put the call out here? I hope you get to see someone soon. xxxxx

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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:38

shame I cant wait until the really Im looking at a sofa bookcase etc None of the big items we wanted were ever in the sales. dubizzle or full-price I'm afraid.

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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:36

I have three...the first two are 20 months apart and that first year after the second one was born was HARD WORK. In fact, it's a bit of a blur and there are lots of details about my second child (first words etc) that I just don't remember. :( My thrid was born another 2.5 yrs later and that was much easier for me. So...three under five was manic. Now they are 6, almost 5 and 2 and it's lovely...most days. I'm a wee bit terrified of the teenage years to come!!! lol

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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:33

Hi DC. :) Maybe check with your paed if there's no reaction at all. Not every baby gets a reaction to the vacc but a reaction after 2-6 weeks is an almost sure sign that it has 'worked'. As in all things, there are 'averages' and plenty of babies who fall outside of those averages. In some cases, no reaction means the vacc did not take. If there's no reaction by 6 months and you want to be sure it worked, your paed might suggest a mantoux test.

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Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 07:20

Oh hiccup...big hug from afar for you! PLEASE pick up the phone and get a friend to come and remind you that you are in fact a normal, healthy woman who just needs an extra hand at the moment!! Whether it's stress, depression, a 'crazy' diet or whatever, you need to surround yourself with the right people. Your next call (or just turning up!) needs to be to a trusted GP. PLEASE do not let this go on. Trust me, if you seek help TODAY, in a very short time you'll feel like you've woken up from the world's longest hangover and wonder why you didn't take action a whole lot sooner. Please be very, very kind to yourself and pick up that phone. xxxxxx

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Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 11:33

You cant beat Redken or Kerastese!! Agreed!

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Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 13:30

From our experience, it's your helper who will most likely be visibly upset...not so much the little ones. When our last maid left, we all knew she would be really emotional. On her last day with us, she did not 'work' at all. I asked her to spend time with the children however she was comfortable. They played, baked, talked, my eldest did drawings for her, we gave her a small album full of photos of the children and there were big hugs all round at the end of that day. I had asked her what she wanted and she said that she would be too sad as she left the house and she didn't want the children seeing that. :( At the end of that last day she shed a few tears as she said goodnight to the children. In the morning she came to say goodbye to be and the poor woman was beside herself. :( Maybe ask your helper how she feels most comfortable saying that final goodbye.

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 12:48

Green-ish, I just checked out the 12wbt and it looks interesting... Was it a pain to prepare meals from the plan only? Did you find you had to prepare a separate meal for yourself vs other household members? Thanks! Not a pain at all. The food is amazing. My husband HATES fad diets and was very sceptical but he ate the food and genuinely enjoyed it. Occasionally I added meat for him as I followed mostly the vege plan. My girls (4 & 2) ate the food...my fussy son always gets a separate meal. :(

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 12:39

I think it could work if you have a very frank discussion with her about her salary, working conditions and house rules. Perhaps set it all out on paper and let her take it away to think about? You already know her and she knows you so, in theory, there's already some level of trust. She also knows the law is very important to you and that you mean business...you have sacked her once before and would not hesitate to turn her over to the authorities if she took on illegal work under your sponsorship (well, that's what you need to make sure she believes). I also think that hiring a 'niece' can work, again if you are clear from the beginning about what you expect. Our first maid was very trustworthy and she successfully recommended numerous friends and relations in Sri Lanka to families in Dubai. In fact, I'm still in contact with her, amazing girl that she is (!), and would still ask her now if she can recommend anyone in Sri Lanka looking for work in Dubai. I trust her enough that she would not recommend anyone unless she could be proud of them.

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 12:04

Out of those two, I'd choose the Hyundai. They win all of the safety awards here in Aus and are a well-built reliable car. I wouldn't touch a Kia with a bargepole...poorer safety ratings and appalling reliability. Before making your decision, you'll want to know the local service situation. how long will it take to book the car in each time? where is the service dep't? costs? etc

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 12:02

Not a new one, but I'm really enjoying The Sopranos at the moment! I thought it had a slow start, but now I've just started Season 5, I'm addicted! I felt the same about Mad Men. By season 3 it almost felt like a physical addiction and I almost panicked when getting close to the end of season 4. Bring on season 5!! lol

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 12:00

http://www.12wbt.com/ - I did this program at the end of last year and lost 13kg with what felt like very little effort. Well, I worked really hard, exercising six times a week most weeks, but because the program does such a good job of getting your mindset right before you even start, you're set up for success. I've battled with weight and fitness all my adult life. Losing weight or gaining strength and fitness is ALL about your mindset. This is the first thing I've done that has had genuine, life-changing results. I didn't sign up for this round and I'm coping on my own, but I miss it! I'll be signing up for next round to get to my goal weight and closer to my goal fitness.

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 10:47

no No... I believe she has to have been under your sponsorship & working for you for at least one full year.

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 10:46

... The IC are actually earning a good wage most charity workers do it for free ! edited by twilight on 09/03/2012 LOL! Independent charity workers maybe, but most well-known, massive charities take a lovely thick cream off the top. If some time in the future we see that IC has been successful and it starts a new wave of action against these monsters, then IC is worth every penny!! Governments of wealthy countries haven't been able to do it... It seems like people don't know what invisible children uses the money for. The money they get from donations is split 70:30. 70% goes to their "nonprofit" organization and 30% goes to Uganda. Other real non-profit organizations give 5:95; 95% to the cause and 5% for adds and campaigning. It just doesn't seems right in my opinion. I supported "kony 2012" at first but after some research, you learn the video is just propaganda. Well the difference in this project and other charities is that this project is about finazing a campaign to make someone famous (the bad guy as once he is famous, really really famous the international pressure to catch him will increase) and this requires the money in the campaign ... It's like comparing apples and pears ... you cant compare Charity with a "marketing campaign" it is just something very different in approach and I still belive that KONY 2012 is a great idea if people would just really understand its not a project to build schools but a project to increase awareness and to influence the western governments to action something which is not in their direct interest (which they dont earn money from) but because the people who elcet them want it to be their interest ... Exactly Nyranee. Well said.

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 10:39

nams_new...have you read the BLW book by Gill Rapley? It's an easy read and has some good ideas on how to get started. If you're ready to just have a go, then the basic 'rule' is that any solid food should be in pieces big enough for them to grab and have some sticking out either side of their wee fist. Whatever you offer they will gum & suck for AGES and softer foods will get smooshed into crevices you didn't know existed! :D Safety...your little one must be sitting fully upright and unsupported. You must be watching at all times. Be cautious with any choking risks like small chunks of raw carrot, whole grapes etc. Watch your baby eat and you'll soon recognise gagging, which is not choking...if they are making sounds and expelling food, they are not choking It's SO much messier but so much easier and more fun that the whole cook-puree-freeze-thaw-serve palaver. ;) My little one's first solid meal was a huge piece of lightly steamed broccoli...I wanted to keep it simple so I could see how she's react, if she was interested or ready etc. She was! :D Her next meal was a whole chicken leg. Now that kept her interested for a LONG time! (with the chicken leg, the only thing to worry about is that fine pin bone so just pull that out). After those first two meals, she ate the same foods as the rest of the family...like kpea, we had no history of allergies to worry about. Some foods I had to remember to leave bigger, fist-sized pieces for her and that was the only difference. Of course, no added salt, but I haven't added salt to family meals since number one son was born...the adults add their own S&P at the table. BLW is fantastic. Oh, and perhaps put age appropriate cutlery out with every meal. Eventually the little one will pick it up and learn to use it by watching you. <em>edited by Green-ish on 11/03/2012</em>

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Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 09:44

Land farmed by generations of the same family, abandoned possibly forever. Whole villages that may not be rebuilt for 40+ years. :(

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Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 12:27

Here's an old thread I go back to regularly before visiting the library... http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=109284

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Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 12:25

...second day start with gentle work (floors, kitchen etc), [b'>repeat repeat repeat, eventually add more things[/b'>. ... In my relatively limited experience, this is just about the most important thing. Once you have laid the ground rules, you need to show her specifically and clearly and possibly with mind-numbing repetition exactly how you want things done. Some maids learn really quickly and adapt to a new house with no trouble. Others just seem almost like toddlers and need hand-holding all the way along. I don't mean that in a disrespectful way...it's just the most clear description I can think of. For some of these ladies, the way we want things done is just so foreign that it can take them a long time to remember everything. Be REALLY clear about use, storage and safety with any household chemical cleaners you use. You do [u'>not[/u'> want to find your toddler child covered in domestos after the maid leaves it, lid off, in the bathroom. Don't ask! Be really clear about all things to do with health and hygiene...washing hands (esp after coughing, sneezing and scratching etc); cleaning dishes; handling, preparing and storing food; which cleaning cloth to use for each job, how often and how to wash etc etc As someone said below, communication is vital. I read somewhere recently where an EW member said she sits down with her maid every week and discusses any concerns from the previous week and plans out the week ahead. GREAT idea. If anything, no matter how little, bothers you it's much better to sort it quickly rather than let it fester and become a big issue. Good luck!

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Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 03:25

... The IC are actually earning a good wage most charity workers do it for free ! edited by twilight on 09/03/2012 LOL! Independent charity workers maybe, but most well-known, massive charities take a lovely thick cream off the top. If some time in the future we see that IC has been successful and it starts a new wave of action against these monsters, then IC is worth every penny!! Governments of wealthy countries haven't been able to do it...

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Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 03:22

The fact that Joseph Kony is listed as wanted on the Interpol site as well on the Forbes list of the 10 most wanted criminals is enough for me to support this campaign. As mentioned, I have posted on my FB wall and blog. I wont be contributing any money or buying any products, and don't at all feel pressured to do so. Did you? But in regard to targetting teens, I would much rather have my teen spend money on a product with even just a small percentage of the proceeds going to a charity, than I would a designer product, and we all know how hard hitting their marketing is. Re comments about compensation. If this is their chosen path and they are committing themselves full-time to making a difference, then of course they should take compensation in form of a salary as well as cover their expenses! One shouldn't have to do things for free to prove that they are genuine, surely. The message I got was from the video was to raise awareness of Joseph Kony and to ensure he is caught and bought to justice. An active LRA or not, justice is still what all his victims need to see. I also hope that this project generates enough interest that people will start to look at other areas where atrocities are taking place and government are not stepping in, like Rwanda. Well said. three good points and i agree. the goal of the video was to raise awareness and get people talking. Anything that makes people ask questions is good in my books. Ditto. Agreed on all points.

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Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 13:35

...Not only is the video incredibly annoying and uninformative but it turns out that it's actually utterly pointless as well. Nothing more than a glossy pre-amble for a TEN MINUTE sales pitch for a box of sub-Shepard Fairey over-priced posters, stickers and t-shirts. Plus a wristband. ... Without going into the other financial issues,,,the poster/sticker/wristband kit is free. The main point is raising awareness and keeping pressure on the gov't. Raising money is a secondary message in the video. Sure there are questions over the spending of money raised to date. We could probably compile a mile long list of 'reputable' charities that have dodgy account books!

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Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 13:32

I have known about these issues for many years, and am finding it quite surprising seeing it so widely publicized with this video etc especially since the LRA has pretty much disintegrated over the years, and is not a huge threat anymore. I am sure the intentions are good, but this whole 2012 must be stopped etc is a little misleading. Yes Joseph Kony needs to be brought to justice, but at the same time, he has been hunted for years... this organization is by far not the only group who have wanted Joseph Kony brought to justice, and although it has brought it to the attention of the general public in the western world, I'm not convinced parting with all this money is going to actually be the reason Joseph Kony is captured and brought to justice. Its not like he wasn't already at number 1 of the most wanted list... And if he is caught in 2012, [b'>what is this charity going to do with all that money they've generated?[[/b'>/quote'> Go after number 2 on the list??

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Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 13:30

I agree you should tell them and I would approach it as CM suggests. How are YOU feeling about it frenchy? I remember you were not happy about your life in the UK. Have you resolved your feelings there? Does this new move bring excitement for you? I think you really need to think about how YOU are feeling, separate to your worries about the children. Once you are clear on that, you'll be better prepared to talk to the children.

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Latest post on 09 March 2012 - 07:16

... I HATED Curb your Enthusiasm.. Larry drove me mad.. ;) I'm with you there louise!! It's the worst/most annoying TV series I have ever tortured myself with!! Lol...I kept making myself watch it, hoping for the penny to drop as to why it's allegedly so funny and clever. lol I had NO trouble curbing my enthusiasm for it!

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Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 18:21

Hi girls. Congratulations on going for cloth nappies!! :D Don't worry about the relative bulk of cloth. Most of us grew up in far more bulky terry-towelling squares, and we're all right. ;) It's actually more supportive to have their little hips supported and the legs splayed out froggy style. :) Babies that have "clicky hips" (developmental dysplasia) are kept in a splint with their legs splayed for up to 12 weeks. The splint keeps their hips in the correct, 'froggy' position until they are better developed. If your little ones like chewing on their toes, remember it's also a good idea to give them lots of nappy-free time. take the nappies off and lie them on something absorbent or waterproof.

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Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 18:14

To be honest lots of cat and dog foods are complete garbage and it's all about money making, why do you think most vets look like pet food suppliers. If your cat was in the wild what would it be eating? Hunting, killing and eating whatever it can get hold of, mice, rats, rabbits etc. Lots of foods have high water content. There's something to be said for raw, natural diets. Oh Chocs, I agree with you 100%. I followed the 'premium cat food' theory only because it can be hard to get a natural diet right without lots of research. BuckeyeD...if you do a little research on raw food diets for cats you'll find lots of resources. If you can buy in bulk, separate into meals and freeze, you'll save money too.

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Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 17:57

Well, I think it is the more responsible thing to go back to work. Looking at the future - what if something were to happen to your husband? What options would you have? If you have no recent work experience, you will struggle to find a job and it will be difficult to support your family. So the choice to stay at home and look after children is less responsible?? *sigh* Anouja, I agree with the others who say it's a very personal choice. You have to have a good look at your family's situation, weigh up both options and do what works for you.

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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 13:06

I would imagine that if a cat was fed canned tuna only, there might be a few risks... - high salt in some tuna would be bad for the kidneys - premium commercial foods are a true 'complete' diet so contain all of the nutrients they need (tuna only would have to be nutrient deficient) - some people worry about the mercury content in canned tuna...because of their small size Hg poisoning could be a much greater risk for cats I believe the latest thinking is that the ideal cat diet is premium canned food (I don't think "Sheba" is premium ;) ) and raw bones (chicken wings etc). Apparently poor quality dry food sticks to the teeth and can increase the risk of decay...

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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 12:45

it seems so very sad that to survive here we don't make the efforts we might do at home, to avoid the downside when friends leave. maybe I should get a cat! :D The thing is, I don't ever remember it being an effort 'at home' before my expat stint. Since coming home, those original friendships are largely unchanged and still no 'effort' but finding new friends in a new area has been ten times harder than it ever was in Dubai. I'm lucky that I have found two like-minded women and the three of us just seem to fit together. I don't know what I'd do without them! ETA: Last Christmas they both had the cheek to go away at the same time on extended family holidays. Here I was 'at home' and feeling like it was Dubai in the Summer. lol <em>edited by Green-ish on 07/03/2012</em>

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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 12:42

No I never did find any suitable maid through them. By the way, just to clarify things, they don't take anything from the maid's salary or have anything to do with how much we decide to pay the maid.... That must be the case for live-in, because the employer sponsors the maid. However the OP said they provide a sponsored, live-out option for 2500 per month. If only a decent company actually provided such a service!

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