habibti | ExpatWoman.com
 

habibti

habibti
88
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 21:57
Perfect, thank you.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 21:17
Simple recipe, even for those who "can't cook" : Half a pumpkin (or 1 large butternut) peeled and chopped into large chunks 1 large onion 2 medium-sized potatoes 1 apple, peeled and sliced 1 -2 tsp brown sugar (optional) Cover with water and boil until everything is soft Blend using a stick blender or pour into a large blender until smooth Add some cream or milk, season with salt, freshly ground black pepper and a generous sprinkle of grated nutmeg You can also add some fresh coriander after cooking, but before blending. Simple and utterly delicious!
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 21:05
IKEA sells a great set which is sturdy,looks good and is unisex. We also bought the top section (shelving with "microwave", which can be added to the set) from Festival City. I agree that Pottery Barns sets are gorgeous if you have the budget ;) ETA that I don't think the Borders one is as nice as the IKEA set, although similarly priced. edited by habibti on 19/12/2012 <em>edited by habibti on 19/12/2012</em>
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 14:50
Check with the professional salons - I use Paul Mitchell sulpahte-free shampoo. I think it's called Avupa and has extracts of wild ginger black tube). You can use L'oreal Kerastase Masque as an intense conditioner.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 14:47
Thanks for the info. will call tomorrow to get the updated process.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 14:08
Can someone please advise on the process for canceling a maid's visa. Does it need to be done in advance, or can it be done at the airport on the day of her departure? We have Dubai visas, but she will be departing from Sharjah Airport. Sorry, but am totally clueless and need to sort this ASAP as she is leaving on Saturday. TIA
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 21:21
Bump
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 14:18
We loved Anantaru Dhigu. Accommodation was amazing and the service wonderful. 30-45 min speedboat trip from the airport to the island. Easy to do with kids too.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 14:15
as long as you give LL 90 days notice you will not have to pay the penalty. SalsB is that the law? We have the same predicament - gave 90 days notice in writing (contract asks for 60 days notice). Contract ends in April but we need to leave in December. We have prepaid up until January. Landlord is insisting we pay 2 mths penalty.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 20:46
We also visited when my DD was 6mths. LOTS of driving so I highly recommend you take your own car seat. A lightweight stroller is a good idea. Don't forget to take an insect repellent for all of you, especially the baby as the mosquitoes are vicious. Take some jars of food, as Sri Lankan foods are very spicy. Enjoy, we had a lovely time staying at a resort in Bentota.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 20:40
We're moving back next month and I've contacted Freightworx, Global (recently used by friends who were very happy) and Allied Pickfords (I've used them previously during a different relocation). Looks like we're going to use Freightworx as I was very pleased with their professionalism. They and all the ground-handling companies they deal with in SA are FIDI accredited. I'll keep you updated, if you'd like.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 09:11
Rooibos Tea is also safe to give to babies/kids. It's great for eczema and dry itchy skin too - brew some very strong tea and pour 1 cup into your child's daily bath. It's delicious with fresh lemon. I also like it with lemon, honey and a piece of fresh ginger, especially soothing when you have a cold and it's easy on an upset stomach.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 07:59
I've had the injections with 2 of my pregnancies due to pre-term labour scares and, as others have said, better safe than sorry. Neither of my sons, nor I, suffered any adverse effects although the injection itself was rather unpleasant (which injection isn't ;) ) Good luck with your decision and the rest if your pregnancy.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 09:42
I use Evox although I'm not sure you get it here. I like the vanilla one, blended with water, dates, almonds and a banana. Yummy!
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 09:37
Iv seen it in lulu hypermarket and spinneys. I too was unable to find it a while ago and searched on this forum !!! wanted to make a chiffon cake. If u dont find it being nosy, could u plz tell me what do u plan to make :) I couldn't find it in 3 C4's, nor Lulu Al Nahda and the little supermarkets in my neighbourhood... will check again thanks. Play dough for kids :D Choc Chiffon cake Frosting for hi hat cupcakes are all on the list for this week :)
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 09:15
5hours... interrupted. The joys of motherhood and chronic insomnia combined!
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 09:09
Where would I find this in the supermarket? I haven't been able to find it in the baking aisle of a number of supermarkets, incl C4. TIA
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 09:09
Dr Ibrahim - Ciy Hospital
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 14:46
I don't think it's about being saintly. It's more to do with what individuals feel comfortable with regarding their kids. Back home, despite always having had live-in help, I'd never leave my kids alone with the helper - she would babysit but we had the advantage of having my MIL live with us and she would also keep an eye out on the kids. Living here, we have friends who offer but not only would I feel like I was imposing on them, I'd also worry about the kids not being used to them and then end up worrying about them instead of having fun. Different strokes for different folk... ;)
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 14:06
Ah, ok. Didn't realise you meant dried :)
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 13:41
Fresh coconut? The smaller indian supermarkets will do it for you at no extra cost. Try Al madina/al maya or maybe even lulus? The shop close to me has a huge stainless shredder thingie in the grocer section. <em>edited by habibti on 05/06/2012</em>
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 09:31
Bali (Indonesia) Langkawi (Malaysia) Phuket (Thailand) Koh Samui (Thailand) Turkey and Vietnam is also good options. Appletiser, would you say 4 days in Vietnam is enough? Ideally, I'd like to stay in one place and do day trips with the kids. Kids are 8, 3 and 18mths so don't want to cram too much in. They're happiest when they can swim and soak up the sun!
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 07:12
thanks, the website looks awesome! I've done a quick browse through and there are some fab ideas! :)
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 10:33
Monkeyface, I did not say it was required, but rather that it is what we usually wear when praying. Geez, one has to be so careful about one says on EW because there's always someone ready to jump on every word! :\: In GCC countries abayas are usually black but in many other countries, you get a variety of colours and styles and it is not generally worn in public. BMP, to answer your question.... Yes, I would always wear an abaya to a mosque, funeral ,prayer meeting/religious gathering whether I'm in Saudi, Dubai or my (Western/secular) home country, but that is my personal preference. The rest of the time, I wear "normal" clothes ;) Re the time to start wearing hijab (rather than just an abaya) is when a girl reaches puberty - it then becomes mandatory to be covered.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 08:13
All Muslim women should have worn an abaya at some stage, because it is what we wear when praying. I'm a "western" Muslim and don't wear an abaya every day because in Islam, it's not prescribed/required. What is required is that one should dress modestly and wear "hijab" (ie modest clothing which covers your head, arms and legs too). In many Gulf countries, wearing an abaya is cultural, and not necessarily to do with Islam or how religious one is (hence the heavy make-up, styled hair, tight jeans showing, etc)..
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 08:42
My kids eat what we eat. Some quick meal ideas: Pasta with strips of carrot and zuccini and broccoli florets (I use lots of fresh chopped garlic to boost their immune systems) Pasta with creamy garlic mushroom sauce (I add veg to it too - eg zuccini and broccoli) "Fried" Rice - I use Brown basmati rice and add loads of veg, spinach or bokchoy, a can of shelled chickpeas and egg for added protein Salmon Fishcakes (homemade with fresh fish and "fried" in a nonstick pan with a little olive oil) with mash and steamed veg Soup (either vegetable, or brown lentil with spinach & potato, or creamy chicken and corn) Chicken kebabs (homemade) with veg stirfry and baked potatoes Mild curries (Serve with rice/roti/paratha/hot Afghan bread) Lasagne
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 08:26
So sad. Have just read that 2 South Africans were confirmed amongst those dead. :( I don't think it should matter what nationality the victims are, it's tragic no matter what. Agreed, ofcourse. I have friends living in Doha and when I learned that both S.Africans are from the same hometown as myself, it just brought it closer to home (if that makes sense).
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 07:42
So sad. Have just read that 2 South Africans were confirmed amongst those dead. :(
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 10:18
Singapore Sling - very interesting to see another persons view. I am a teacher and have just taught at two excellent private schools in Johannesburg. Yes, the education system has gone under a radical change but that is due to the circumstances in South Africa having changed so much since 1994. The private schools in South Africa still offer an excellent education due to the fact that, although they have to comply with the Department of Education, they still write their own private exams which are of a very high standard. I believe that British International College leaves a lot to be desired. It is very alternative and the learners who are often seen walking to the nearby shopping centre are soo untidy!! I don't think there are very many rules there! Agreed - many schools in SA, in both JNB and CPT, still offer an excellent, well-rounded education,with learners getting accepted into (and graduating from) accredited SA universities which are recognised worldwide. The handful of international schools in both cities usually cater to expats on short-term contracts and, often don't offer the facilities one would get a private/ex "Model C" SA school.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:05
I'm from CPT but lived and worked in JNB for a while. Fairways Gardens is quite nice. Most expats choose Dainfern which is also a gated community and is a little further out from Fairways. Dainfern has its own schools: Dainfern Prep and Dainfern College Other good private schools are St Peters (not co-ed but a separate boys and girls school). Crawford Lonehill is anothe excellent option. I'm not sure about your field but there's a lot more jobs on offer, with considerably better salaries, than in CPT. People are very friendly, the weather is great and there's an electric vibe to the city which cannot be found in laid-back Cape Town ;) Underfloor heating and electric blankets sort out the cold in the JNB winters and during the day, the weather is much milder.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 10:31
Is it to do with not being able to carry out ablution to perform prayers - then this particular one would not be a cultural issue. I think fighting for rights to drive is a cultural issue. Not cultural - one cannot carry out the compulsory ablution to perform your prayers if you're wearing nail polish. Re the lipstick comment... if she was local they would not have been able to tell because her face would have been covered too.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:05
Anantara! Loved the gorgeous villas and the service was excellent. They have 3 separate islands and Naledu is for adults only, thus more suitable for honeymoon.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:03
This isn't something that can be answered on the forum - check with the doctor (insist on speaking to her) what the risks are and then decide whether you're ready to stop BF. Ultimately, only you can decide once you have the relevant info from a trained professional (ie doctor).
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 09:32
Try using the regular sized nappy first, and then put a 2nd nappy (1 size up) over that. That should help with the leakages.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 07:36
We loved Anantara Dhigu - small private island, amazing villas, good food and fantastic service.. Dhigu is nice than Veli.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 09:55
Hi! I was just thinking of reviving this thread this morning, and lo and behold, here it is! My feet are fine, actually. They have not gotten bigger. I remember that they did during my first pregnancy but not with my second so I am hoping they will stay the same size the third time around. The only thing I'm having is groin pain. I think that's what it's called. I'm fine walking around but getting up and down plus moving around in bed and driving is causing me a lot of pain. I told my doctor because I did not get this so soon with previous pregnancies and she said it is because I am not in my 20s anymore. Everything is going well with the pregnancy so I assume it's not a big deal. Is anyone else experiencing this? It's called joint/round ligament pain and is common in subsequent pregnancies because your muscles aren't as tight anymore. The weight of the baby and the stretching of the uterus causes the pain. It's AWFUL! What helped me was sleeping with a pillow between my legs. If the pain extends down your legs like I experienced, then the following might help: Magnesium supplement Powdered calcium (mixed in water or milk 30mins before bedtime) Bananas
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 21:49
Yes, it will be open and you should get parking at that time. From 2pm onwards it gets crazy busy and parking is a bit of a nightmare (but they offer valet parking now). I would rather go on a Saturday...
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 21:38
Hi mum.an.me, I was looking for a new maid and received a message from an Indonesian lady with 9 yrs exp in Saudi. She's currently in Dubai and looking for a new job. I have not met her as I found s/o but would u like her details? I'm sure there's no harm in having a chat with her. If you're interested just drop me ur email address. edited by Moustique on 17/05/2012 I'm interested! Please would you drop me an email with her details :) dxb habibti at gmail dot com Thanks!
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 15:02
We preferred Fujairah - le meridien al aqah was fab and the food was good too. child friendly staff. not sure about kids club though. I didn't enjoy RAK. We stayed at the Cove Rotana - terrible accommodation, average food at breakfast, yucky beach and the tiled area around the pools is very slippery. If you're keen on a "staycation" then the Atlantis has great specials for June - gorgeous accommodation, best breakfast buffet I've had and lots to do for kids.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 14:53
Have you looked at the classified's on here? There are many maids out there who speak English, have experience and good references and who are currently looking for work because their current situation is either not a pleasant one or their employer is leaving. Yes, I have called a number of maids from the classifieds but it's been a waste of time. I don't know why some of them even bother placing ads when clearly they have no desire to be employed legally and would prefer to work part-time.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 11:13
Bump Mom.an.me did you find an Indonesian maid ?
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 08:13
Malaysia Mauritius
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 07:31
All 3 of mine were tummy sleepers from birth. Paed said it's OK and the cot was in my room so I could check on them regularly. Some babies are just more settled on their tummies :)
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 16:12
Thanks :) We had already decided and enrolled DS at the school. That enquiry was on behalf of a family member who was also considering switching her DS from the British Curriculum but had some concerns about the difference. We're happy thus far, it's very similar to our school back in SA in terms of teaching/curriculum and catering to the whole child and not just the academics :D
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:56
Thanks, sqilli! Are you back in Oz now? Appreciate the feedback on the school :)
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:17
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I certainly don't consider myself "lower class" nor a "chav" or uneducated. I had my daughter's ears pierced and besides crying for a couple minutes - yes, a couple minutes - she calmed down immediately once BF and required no pain relief/meds. Same as all the sheep in my group of friends and family. I don't need to win mother of the year from a group of strangers on the internet, and don't see why the OP or any other parent has to justify her reasons for wanting it done. I'm sure there are horror stories out there but hey, we're all entitled to our own opinions and how we choose to dress/raise our kids.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 12:11
It may just be your uterus stretching and, if you were quite slim to start off with, chances are the weight of your growing baby is placing extra pressure on your muscles. I had awful, sharp pains in my lower abdomen and my legs during my 2nd pregnancy (from about 3mths) and this continued throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. If you're worried that it's something more serious, go back to your doctor and ask her to examine and scan your abdomen again. There's nothing worse than worrying all day and night that something is wrong with your baby.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 11:01
Highly recommend the Phil and teds wiggle wrapper. It was fab to strap them either to yourself for take off and landing, to the chair on the plane to use the tray table to eat or to a chair in a restaurant. We just used it for a three week trip around the states and LOVE it. FD, where did you buy the wrapper? Will it be suitable for an older toddler (17mths) to be strapped to me?
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 09:16
Condolences to you and your family.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 08:13
Agree with jillp - have also had 3 and showed much quicker with #2 and #3. If you're naturally thin and lost the weight quickly after your first two pregnancies, don't despair as you'll most likely do the same after this birth ;)
 
 
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