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Hello.Again.Kitty

Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 19:29
we went out on Xclusive this weekend which was good. They have "buy two hours, get 1 more free" Entertainer voucher and allow you to bring your own food and drink (soft drinks are provided). The Dubai Marina Yacht Club has the same Entertainer offer, but only allows it's own catering and bar service. There's 100AED difference in basic price between the two.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 19:26
Thanks for your feedback Hello.Again.Kitty. Geez I can imagine it would've been a tad ghastly for you being there whilst pregnant and sensitive to smells. I bet there would've been some very over powering aromas lurking from street corners and alley ways. I have heard that Fez is good too so hopefully I'll be able to get some personal experiences from the EW brigade that'll be able to lead me in the right direction. Thanks again. SH Don't get me wrong - I'm glad I went! I also think that having lived here in the ME will help with the unwanted attention - we went before living here and so it was our first experience of Arab culture. The riadhs (sp?) were wonderful havens of tranquillity and the overall atmosphere of the place was lovely.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 19:08
I made the mistake of going for a long weekend there when I was pregnant and very, very sensitive to smell. Not a good move. It was really interesting, but I found the "helpful" locals who would try to guide you to the nearest carpet emporium and then ask for a tip to be oppressive. Everyone seemed to demand tips for services we hadn't actually ever asked for. Food-wise, it must have been good, but not exactly memorable. We did go to a highly recommended restaurant for a special treat and got charged an extortionate amount (like £20 per glass) for a Kir Royale because we weren't told that they were making it with real, expensive champagne rather than sparkling white wine like most normal restaurants do. Basically, it was a good experience overall (don't buy a carpet there - the one we fell for was in hindsight expensive and the colours ran to the point where it was ruined - and we were following their care instructions to the letter!), but I wouldn't go back. I would visit other places in Morocco though, like Fez. ---- actually, reading through that little write up, basically, we were taken for a ride on every level. Thinking about the carpet makes me angry to this day. We're by no means gullible tourists either. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 15/03/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 18:52
yeah, there's been a pile up between the JLT metro end of the Marina and the Marina Walk. Cars are being diverted by JBR, but it's pretty much at a standstill.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 17:03
Yes i guess you guys are right, i have done a lot of net surfing but what they do is further confuse you as there is so much on the internet. Let me try to take it for a few days and if i feel any of the symptoms will discontinue it , i just dont like the feeling of being made a guinea ***. I mean unfortunately my doc hardly talks in detail to me about the meds shes giving me. I have been reading that duphaston could be harmful for the foetus in many places on the net yet doctors seem to continue giving it during pregnancy, unanswered questions like these really confuse a person, GOD help us all from ignorant doctors is all i can say I can only urge you to ask the right questions, inform and empower youself. I personally hate the "Doctor knows best" attitude there is here - after all, I am an integral part of my own treatment, it's my body and ultimately my decision. You wouldn't unquestioningly take pills a random person gave you on the street (well, some do!) because they told you "it will help"... so why do so if that random person is sitting behind a desk? You'd ask what is actually does, what the side-effects are, how long you'd need to take it for, etc...
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 16:54
hey, my MiL, who worked as a nurse in special care baby units saw babies born addicted to heroin/ cocaine because of their druggie mums. They then suffered all the withdrawal symptoms that an adult would and their mums would be demanding their rights etc... [i'>that[/i'> is sick.
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 16:47
the food was decent but the service was sloooooow the time we went. They apologised, saying that they were very busy, but fewer than half the tables were full. Actually not even that. Maybe a quarter. Not what I would have called busy, really... in fact quite the opposite! Oh, and don't have the Moroccan Rose wine - we've had it twice (1 at Ewaan and 1 here) and both times it wasn't very nice and gave us a terrible headache the next day (not to excess either time, but decided to give it the benefit of the doubt after the first time)
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Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 11:23
do a search on here about duphaston. you will find a lot of useful information. there are lots of ladies on this forum, myself included, who have been / still are on duphaston with no side-effects etc. trust your doctor, she/he wont put you on something if its harmful. if you dont feel comfortable with the medication - whatever it is - then it is your right to so "no". I beg to differ. I think some Drs blindly follow what they've always done and don't question their decisions... and we often don't either. I doubt it's actively harmful, but at best it's rather pointless and occasionally comes with side-effects. I was put on Duphaston at 11 weeks pg after a bleed (scan confirmed all was well) "just in case". The Dr wanted me to carry on taking it until 24 (or was it 26) weeks... again "just in case". It did give me side effects - notably making me feel really low (borderline depressed) and prolonged my morning sickness. In fact, my mc cleared up 24 hours after I decided to stop taking the pills at 14 weeks. There is actually no scientific evidence that progesterone supplements (of any brand) support a pregnancy or can save a failing pregnancy. My midwives in the UK looked decidedly puzzled at this practice of pumping pregnant women full of hormone supplements. If you are trying to conceive, you probably know the other things to try already - eat well and healthily, take folic acid and make sure you're all topped up on vitamins and mineral, exercise and relax. Don't smoke and drink in moderation (if at all)... and most of all, try not to put pressure on yourself to "perform". All these tips also go for your DH - it takes 2 to tango after all - and the healthy lifestyle will mean that his little swimmers are also fighting fit. BUT only you and your Drs know what issues you are facing, so our advice can only go so far.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:57
LOL always a pleasure (anyone got a hammer?) I can lend you mine. A stapler also does the job. ;)
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:55
FS2 and if you feel she needs to repeat then let her do so. goodness me! Do you know how much of a confidence knock a kid gets when they have to repeat a year?! Watching their friends progress while they are made to feel like some kind of unworthy dunce? Saw it too many times. I really can't understand this drive to push children into the year above. Each year is designed for an age-group and, if executed well, will cater for everyone within that group. Putting an FS1 child in FS2 means that that child will potentially be over a year younger than the eldest in their class. Sweeping, know a few who have had to go back a year from leaving Dubai and it certainly has not knocked their confidence, they had to as the gaps were so big and i'm talking secondary. Also know of one who left here a year up having been a year up from another country and Dubai accepted that, now in UK and still a year up as exceptionally bright and just gained a 13+ scholarship to a top Uk school a year down in age from her peers! HK wrote [i'>"Putting an FS1 child in FS2 means that that child will potentially be over a year younger than the eldest in their class[/i'>" DUH that can happen in any year group! edited by Sticky Wicket on 14/03/2011 I grew up in a system where you had to resit a year if the teachers considered that you "could do better". Every single student lived in dread of that final staff meeting - even the "bright" ones. It was a source of shame and embarrassment for the children concerned. ... and if everyone stuck to their cut-off dates, there would be a maximum of 1 year's difference between eldest and youngest. DUH!
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:50
HK - "Each year is designed for an age-group and, if executed well, will cater for everyone within that group" Then why do different schools have different dates in the same cirriculam? I am just trying to write a list of all the pros and cons so not trying to argue with you. Here, well, schools adapt the curriculum to suit, because they don't have to report to the UK's inspection body for compliance... In the UK, all schools have a 1st Sept cut-off, apart from Scotland who (in the opinion of my Head of Early Years friend and my Occupational Therapist friend) has a better system of staggered starting in reception years, so the eldest/youngest issue is less obvious. SW - I'd hope that arguing with me comes under "healthy and reasoned debate" rather than "only slightly better than nailing your eyelids to the desk". ;)
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 17:59
I think we paid just over 1000 for a couple of chaps with a pick-up to wrap our stuff in cling film and cart it across the Marina. We were in a 2 bed with not that much bulky furniture. I guess the question is - does that sound reasonable to you, considering how much furniture you have and what service they are offering?
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 17:55
I haven't! Or, you could pop him on the "Limited Profile" setting so that he can't actually see any updates and/or photos. It gets a bit complicated, but hey... that's what juggling social circles is all about! lol
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 17:53
I put on 18kg each time (1 boy, 1 girl). 1st time around, I lost 15kg by the time I got pregnant again (12 months PP)... 2nd time around, I lost about 12kg by 4 months PP and then plateaued, so ended up "watching what I ate" (portion sizes, more than anything else) once DS was 1 year old (so any consequences for milk supply wouldn't be too much of an issue) and have lost 10kg since last May, bringing me down to the weight I was in my early twenties (big grin!). Both times I was back in pre-preg clothes a few weeks after the birth. Dunno what that says about the state of my clothes or what I must have looked like in them! lol
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 17:37
I think it's just cloud... it's got that humid rainy smell to it. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 14/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 17:34
FS2 and if you feel she needs to repeat then let her do so. goodness me! Do you know how much of a confidence knock a kid gets when they have to repeat a year?! Watching their friends progress while they are made to feel like some kind of unworthy dunce? Saw it too many times. I really can't understand this drive to push children into the year above. Each year is designed for an age-group and, if executed well, will cater for everyone within that group. Putting an FS1 child in FS2 means that that child will potentially be over a year younger than the eldest in their class.
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 16:58
it's also worth considering what effect (if any) it'd have on her current confidence... she, like mine, may be very confident amongst her peers (as one of the eldest) but be quite shy when amongst older children.
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 15:50
... and AlMaya, Park'n'Shop...
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 15:48
Of course it depends whether the child is bright as to how she will cope later on through the years! She only misses the cut off date by 10 days until recently a few international schools here had the date 15 of sept rather than the 1st as a cut off date. My point was that she should look to see if the school differentiates in the class room, and yes bright children can become bored out their brains without. If a child is bright they will be fine a year group up when the cut off is soo close. lol - the cut-off date has to fall somewhere. It's completely arbitrary. If the cut-off was the 15th of Sept and not the 1st, my DD would make it or miss it (depending on how you see it) by 1 day, but I wouldn't expect the rules to be bent because of my own opinion of my child's prowess. Also, everyone likes to think they have a "bright" child that can cope with being shoved a year up from her peers. Being "bright" doesn't mean to say that the child will be bored or under-challenged with the curriculum that is intended for her age-group (talking about British here)... nor does it mean that the child will just slot right into being the youngest as if it were nothing. I know plenty of very "bright" people who are socially challenged!
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 15:35
generally speaking, 12 weeks is early... very early, to get an accurate view, iyswim. Saying that, with experience and a cooperative baby, sure, it's possible, but to be honest, wait until the 20 week scan before you start buying pink stuff!
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 15:27
You have to decide if your LO will cope (be bright enough) to maintain being the youngest of her year if she jumps up a year group. I don;t know of any FS1 classes in Dubai that offer extention to the brighter students, it's very much play based, FS2 they start to play around with academics at most schools. A lot will also be dependant on the school. It's not about being "bright" or not... it's about the developmental and social maturity of the individual child. Also, play-based activities do not bore "bright" children any more or less than the children on the other end of the spectrum... how would you call them? The "thickos"?! :/: Play-based is best for a 3/4/5 year old's maturity. It's how they learn well and keep their interest in learning, develop their curiosity and remain enthusiastic. A good teacher/ school following the UK curriculum will know that part of it is to tailor to the individual child - making it interesting and educational for all levels and abilities. For the OP - my DD is a September baby so will be the oldest in her year group. Even though she's a bright little spark, I wouldn't consider putting her a year up. At this age, the difference in maturity between the oldest and youngest in a reception year-group is very noticeable, and from all my friends (one a head of reception in the UK, another an occupational therapist, others reception teachers), the eldest ones have a distinct advantage... or rather, the eldest have far fewer issues than the younger ones. Here she'll be doing 2 years of FS1 in her nursery and this year her rather wonderful teacher has tailored her classes with a "brighter spark" table (that only she knows about) where the kids do things that are a bit more involved than those who need more guidance.
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 18:18
DH encountered them in a petrol station just outside AD a year ago - exactly the same story, apart from accompanying him to an atm... instead they followed him to his car and tried forcing his hand by putting the suits inside!
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 12:41
is it actually a problem? I have a friend whose son used to do laps of his cot during the night, even in his sleeping bag... which didn't seem to stop him sleeping from 19h until 8h/9h in the morning!
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 11:58
If you don't want to make the crust from scratch (or fancy making puff pastry), a French apple tarte is really easy (well, my version!). Roll out the puff pastry and place in a shallow, buttered pie dish, Get 6 or so apples with lots of flavour. Peel and core them all, but then slice 3 into thin slices (about 2mm) - immerse these "nice" slices in a bowl of water with a few drops of lemon juice. Pop the rest of the apples (chopped), as well as the off-cuts of the "presentation" apples into a saucepan with some brown sugar (to taste) and some cinnamon. Simmer until it's a puree. Fill the pastry with the purée and then lay the nice slices in concentric circles (starting from the outside edge), brush the lot with some butter and pop in the oven until golden. Don't worry if it puffs up during baking, it'll settle when it cools (or you could blind-bake the base, but I'm always too impatient!
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 08:44
AlMaya do a small range of the Dylon dyes. The thing is, for the best results you use them in a washing machine and I doubt you'll fit curtains that size in a machine. You'd probably want to try and get them both in the same batch of dye at the same time to ensure they take on the same colour (there can be variations between packets, etc...) I'd be very wary about it actually, unless you'd potentially be happy with tie-dyed drapes!
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 20:08
[url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=138202752912558&set=a.130713863661447.24572.111813822218118'>something a bit different?[/url'> <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 09/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 10:57
How about this: http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/13/6/398.abstract Basically the study says that children in forward facing car seats are five times more likely to be injured in an accident. That said, the next stage car seat I would be would be a convertible car seat so I have the option to move DD forward when the time comes. I kept DD1 rear facing until she was about 22 months, but she absolutely hated and as a result car jouneys with her were horrendous! Just nit-picking here, but that study is conducted based on children from 0-23 months. For me, it's a complete no brainer that infants under 9 months should be in rear-facing because they can't even support their own heads in normal circumstances, let alone in a crash situation. I'd be interested in the same study based on children from 9 months to 4 years, which is the next car-seat up. Anyhow, that's just "out of interest" - it's clear that rear-facing is safer, but as I said earlier, choosing a forward-facing car seat is still a perfectly safe move and parents who do so aren't failing to protect their children adequately.
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 10:49
well, if you have to do something, you have to do it, so plan ahead and work out what is actually achievable... Could you not go round Ikea in 2 sessions, say, or spend an hour or two going round, then go off and do something fun for your eldest and then come back. Maybe try jotting down the codes of the stuff that you like (or taking photos so that you don't have to worry about the pen and paper) and then order over the phone when you are home and get it delivered? When I have to take both of them shopping, I give my eldest some "fun" tasks - like holding the shopping list (yeah, wow!), or helping me put the fruit and veg in bags or even spotting the nearest thing that's white, say. Plus bring snacks ("you can only have a snack if you sit nicely in the trolley to eat it"), and a couple of little interesting toys. Be flexible and prepared to change your pace to keep the peace!
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 10:37
well, you know, it's not like you'll be paying double the price for the extra "novelty", so I'd say go for it. I hope that none of us have to test the safety of our children's car seats the hard way, but if you feel that it's a step above the average and you feel happiest going for what you think is best, then absolutely. My only thing is to mitigate by saying that front-facing car-seats are still good and do still save lives (just in case anyone starts panicking). In fact, one of my friends had an articulated lorry crash into the back of her car (not at high speed, thank goodness, but the car was still a right-off) when her toddler daughter was in her (front-facing) car seat. They all had to be cut out, and my friend suffered bad whiplash, but her daughter had nothing at all.
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 08:53
http://www.carseat.se/rearfacing/rear-facing-basics/ This is the site I've been looking at to buy a seat from. I need to find out just how much of a difference it actually makes, though - like you say, H.A.K, if it's one per cent or one in a hundred thousand. That's interesting. The only halfway proper comparison is their "rearward facing children’s car seats reduce serious injuries by 92%, while the forward-facing seats only reduce injury by 60%" which is compelling, no doubt about that. I'd like to see a comparison for their "only 9 children died in rear-ward seats" in a 5 year period with the number of children who (sadly) dies in front-facing. We all know how numbers can be presented differently to demonstrate different arguments. If 10 (say) had died in front-facing... or 73... or 2... all very different. In any case it's rather academic. The brand mentioned, Britax, is very reputable. Just having a very quick reccie on UK sites it's pretty widely available and at £240-odd, it's on a par with other seats of similar standard. I think we paid about the same for our Axiss.
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 08:32
Odd... is it?
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 23:00
She is a good friend and if she had to ask me what I thought about it - I would find it very difficult to say anything other than how awkward I find it to be. That is my opinion on this and I know we are all different. if she's a good friend, then tell her how you feel - because you won't be the only one and I'm sure she'll actually be happier knowing not to make that social faux pas.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 22:59
:\: happened to my dh before he was so embarressed cos they asked him on leaving!!! tight is what id say ... yeah - you cut your coat according to your cloth and all that. If you can't afford to host the party that you'd like, then it's time to maybe think of alternatives! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 08/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 22:55
that's a bit strange tbh. You could ask her if she'd like you to bring something instead... or politely decline.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 22:52
Sandfly, you're right - of course. The thing is, I think one can think too much about this. OK, it's important, but for example, how do the side-impact airbags that some cars are now fitted with impact on the car-seat? I give myself nightmares trying to imagine impacts in slow motion (sometimes I do!) and you know, those airbags are designed for specific seating arrangements - just like you know you shouldn't have a rear-fitting car seat in the front seat when that front seat is fitted with an air-bag (unless you disable it) because in the event of a crash, the airbag would inflate and push the seat forcibly back up against the back of the seat. Side airbags... well, with a rear-facing seat, the child would get it directly in their face, wouldn't they because the now-usual "wings" that help deflect such an airbag wouldn't be in the right place? I don't know. Again, I'd be interested to see some stats because it's a different story if we're talking about a drop by 1%, 1 per thousand or 1 per hundred thousand.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 22:34
It just seems pointless for the entire village to get involved when in some cases (not pointing at this case in particular) it is obvious that the maid/nanny isnt giving the best of care and yet the mother chooses for whatever reason, to ignore it. I have seen such examples for myself in various situations. What use then, of perfect strangers worrying about child abuse to a particular child? If you saw someone committing a crime, but that didn't involve you in any way, or if you saw something suspicious, would you not still notify the appropriate people? It's part of being part of society, to look out for the more vulnerable and help uphold our social values. You know I'd buy that theory except this isnt like a robbery or a crime where the bad guy gets taken away and locked up....who is to say the mother would just bring in another sub-standard stand in for herself. Dont mean to come across as callous as I sound, but sometimes I have noticed mothers who have witnessed half-hearted care and dont want to do anything about it as long as they dont have to get involved. The mother in this case could very well be horrified and grateful for the intervention but just reading how bold the maid has become in her behaviour, makes me suspect she knows she's the only one in charge. In other parts of the world, that could come under many actual crimes - like neglect - and the parents could face prosecution. I'd like to think that the mum isn't aware and not through apathy. It's just as probable that she doesn't know or realise and so hopefully, bringing it to her attention would make her think again about the current childcare set-up. Maybe, if she did have an inkling, she would be ashamed that it was so obvious and would then try to make amends... or maybe yes, maybe she won't care enough to do anything, in which case, she should thank her lucky stars she's here and not in Europe, where she would have her children taken from her.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 22:26
well mine are now 3 and 4 and I still take them to, eg, the supermarket (because it's part of life, and they should be exposed to such things) but if you are talking about eg clothes shopping, I completely agree; practically impossible with kids; not only on a practical level but because if you are busy stopping them from fighting/annoying other shoppers/fiddling with things they shouldn't be fiddling with/saying embarrassing things about other people/all the other things kids to to torment you; you are not in the mood to buy clothes I was one of 4, with no extended family within the same country until I was 8 or so (and then it was only one set of grandparents, who I don't remember babysitting much) - I now look back rather in awe at how my mother stayed sane! There's also a difference between quickly popping to the shops, where you can make it a "fun outing" with both of them and trawling round a mall for hours with a list as long as your arm. I don't have a nanny or maid, so it's just me, myself and I, now with improved 360 degree vision. Shopping for myself can wait until DH is home and I trundle off for some well-earned "me" time.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 22:19
ok, am i being thick? Where would the child's legs go ifyou were to get a rear facing seat? My dd is 6mo and her feet are already touching the car seat. Have i got major baby brain and im not understanding?? That's another bit I don't get. Well, yes, there is that too... although a good line from my health visitor was "it's easier to mend broken legs than a broken head". Personally, I can't see it being very comfortable for older children. And that brings me on to the next point - what age/ weight does this 'ere seat go up to? I know it's rubbish putting a price-tag on it, but realistically, are you getting noticeably more value for money than for a front-facing *just as safe* car-seat? If it's noticeably more expensive, that is. If it's not, then get it. If you feel happiest with it, then get it. If you feel it'll work best for you and yours, then get it. I kept my two in their rear-facing seats up until they reached the weight limit for it (go by weight, not age, because the seats are tested to be safe up to the weight limit stated) and then moved them to front facing because that was what was on offer and there's absolutely nothing wrong with front-facing. In fact, I spent some time choosing the Axiss because it swivels 90 degrees so that you can get bubs in and out really easily. Rear-facing is important when they can't support their heads properly, but heck, if the simple measure of being rear-facing lowered fatalities so much across the board, why don't car manufacturers change their seating layouts? It'd be interesting to see some figures on this one to compare.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 21:56
The majority of drivers here have zero clue how to use roundabouts. People pull out straight in front of you when you're on it. You always get some idiot in the left lane, who then decides he wants to get off at the next exit and storms across 4 lanes to do so. It drives me mad when people are in the right lane, then try to go all the way round - argh! 5-lane roundabouts are never going to be pretty. They work on the far-fetched principles of a/ knowing how to drive [safely'>, b/ respecting other road users and c/ slowing down as you approach them.
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:45
From what I've read, it's to do with what happens to their heads and necks in an accident - their heads are proportionally too big for their bodies, so their necks can't take the strain of whiplash injuries typically seen in RTAs. So even though the forward-facing ones are European standard, they aren't as safe as rear-facing seats. Does that sound right? That's my understanding of it, but I still don't get why there aren't more options in the UK. Am I over-thinking it? Surely if it makes that much of a difference to fatality rates they'd be more popular and widely available? DH says what happens if we're hit from the front - it'll be the same as being hit from the rear in a forward-facing seat. Just to confuse the issue. edited by DubaiCat on 08/03/2011 I think, in short... yes, you are over-thinking it. As long as you are securing your LO in a weight and age-appropriate, good quality and properly-fitted seat, then you are doing all you can to mitigate the effects of an accident. And that's all any of us can do. There are unfortunately some crash fatalities that no number of seat-belts and airbags can prevent. Oh, and make sure there's the side-impact support "wings"... all the more important if your car has got rear side airbags. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 08/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:39
It just seems pointless for the entire village to get involved when in some cases (not pointing at this case in particular) it is obvious that the maid/nanny isnt giving the best of care and yet the mother chooses for whatever reason, to ignore it. I have seen such examples for myself in various situations. What use then, of perfect strangers worrying about child abuse to a particular child? If you saw someone committing a crime, but that didn't involve you in any way, or if you saw something suspicious, would you not still notify the appropriate people? It's part of being part of society, to look out for the more vulnerable and help uphold our social values.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:34
Book costs 350dhs - Saved 600dhs in 1 trip to Wild Wadi. Speaks for itself (and pays for itself ;) ) Booked a yacht cruise for DH's 40th and saved 1400AED in one go! Beat that! lol I like a challenge ;) Good for you 1400dhs that's quite a saving, might just be enough for a new dress and shoes? Just wondered . . . . . ;) hehe - I'm terrible that way. It's the same with the Fine Dining, since it's BOGOF, I always choose the most expensive thing on the menu! The worst thing with the cruise was that I only checked by chance just before booking and found it was in there! Going to do the Desert Safari thing with a guest too... perfect.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:27
rear-facing is always safer, but not always practical. I can't think of any other reason why it's not more popular. Anyhow, all car-seats in the UK meet European standards and so are "safe". For your LO's age, buy one with a 5 point harness - in fact, keep them in a 5-point harness for as long as you possibly can. I've got a BebeComfort Axiss (think it's been taken over since I bought it, so not the same brand, but same name) that is fab, but will only take my 2 barrel-chested Brits up til the age of about 2.5 (I think it's strictly speaking up til 18kg) and a can't-remember-what-brand one for £35 from Toys'R'Us which is absolutely fab and takes them from 9 months up til 11yrs in its various forms, including a 5-point harness for as long as you can.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:18
I know some people are very precise about how long their children sleep for during the day, but I never have been. I'd put my two down for a nap when they showed their signs and let them sleep until they woke up of their own accord. Sometimes they'd be grumpy waking up, most of the time happy... I know this is going to sound harsh, but giving your DS your pinky has to stop and that's that. If he's still sleepy, he'll sleep at some point without it, and if he's not, he'll wake up. That's the start of training - it's up to him to decide if he wants to sleep or not. Daytime naps are flexible - by the time they're 2 or 3 (or 4), they won't be having any daytime naps, but will still be having bedtimes, so get your bedtime and night routine sorted and don't worry about what form naps take during the day. Look at the overall number of hours sleep over a 24h period to determine if he's getting enough sleep - but never forget that, as always, the guideline are just that, for guidance and based on averages. I honestly wouldn't worry about the length of his naps. If he wakes up, pick him up, feed him adn play with him. He'll soon tell you if/when he's ready for another sleep. I hope this helps! -------- oh, and re: the pinky - have you considered a dummy or other comfort-object? My son loves sucking but never got into a dummy, so instead sucks a favourite toy - again, what's "Best" is what works for you and your baby. Needs must - but it has to be something you're willing and able to continue for months. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 08/03/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:09
so basically its not possible . . of course it's possible... just like it's possible to drink vinegar or walk on hot coals... the question is why on earth would you want to inflict that on yourself?! ;)
Hello.Again.Kitty
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:04
oh, did we?! [blob'>
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 20:00
I wouldn't mind siblings coming to a party, but then again, I don't go for the big, organised parties and do everything myself, so keep numbers manageable... and always tend to over-cater, so a few extra mouths isn't an issue. My two aren't of an age where I consider it fair to just leave them at a party. Personally, my idea of h3ll would be having to entertain 15-20 kids on my own, so if anything I'd be more upset at the parent leaving than bringing a sibling! I'm also not into inviting everyone the kids have ever met and hold no store on super presents. If anything, I'd prefer people to not bring a present, rather than a token one (anyone taking note?! I know you're out there! ;) ). I think I'm also going to start resurrecting the party bags of my childhood - a slice of birthday cake, wrapped in a napkin and put in the bag... and that was it, I think. Maybe a mini-pack of Smarties to go with it... and believe me, I thought it was special! Parties shouldn't be about getting your money's worth, or getting the value of the party back in presents' worth. It's celebrating the birth of your child with friends and family. That's it. Either you want to do it or you don't. Anyhow, yes, your party, your rules. End of.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 19:23
Book costs 350dhs - Saved 600dhs in 1 trip to Wild Wadi. Speaks for itself (and pays for itself ;) ) Booked a yacht cruise for DH's 40th and saved 1400AED in one go! Beat that! lol
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 19:21
if it's a largish shrub with leaves a bit like a 3-toed foot (and the red flowers) it's a Jatropha Integerrima (says DH who knows about these things)... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 08/03/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 19:16
We have the family one and always get the fine dining one too.... We're the same and have already made our money back on both, several times over. The top tip is to sort all the vouchers in the Family one into envelopes for each mall, and then when you go out, just take the relevant pack. There's so much to choose from, you need never really pay full price for anything!
 
 
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