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Hello.Again.Kitty

Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 18:30
He's growing all the time and so will change his preferences to suit (re feeding and spending more time awake/aware and /or playing)... With regards to his re-settling, one thing that isn't tenable is him needing to suck your little finger, so unless you are happy to spend a lot of time beside his cot having your finger sucked, then you need to find some kind of alternative asap. What is he like if he doesn't resettle? You mention his sleep-cycles - how long are they? Have you considered that maybe he's just a baby who only needs short naps? Always remember that every baby is different and no book or bit of advice was specific to your DS. He might coincidentally fit in with some patterns but not with others... and that's fine.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 18:23
I don't go shopping with both of them on my own evening now (they're 21 months apart and youngest is 20 months!)... but on the plus side, going shopping with only 1 seems a walk in the park! My thing is to absolutely be prepared to crash and burn out of whatever expedition you've got planned and not to set yourself a list of tasks whilst out and about. Shopping for me is a big no-no because there's only one thing worse than 1 bored toddler in a shop... and that's 2 bored toddlers! I also plan to be in carefully considered spaces - preferably confined because keeping track of 2 mobile children on your own is nigh on impossible... ... and that's my last point. Make the most of these next few months, because it's a breeze compared to when they're both mobile!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 10:24
- cheezy puffs (puff pastry with cheese grated on top) - mini pizza (use a small arabic bread, bit of tomato puree/ sacla sauce, chopped olives && veg and mozzarella) - bowl of fruit - more fruit! - cubes of cheese - cooked sausages (do 4 times the amount you think you need because they will fly off the plate!) - chopped veg and dips (cucumber, peppers, etc... and hummus, etc) - cupcakes! You could also do mini spinach and feta tarts, which are really easy. Press some puff pastry into the muffin tin cavities, mix feta, spinach, and egg in a bowl, pour into the pastry and bake until the mixture is firm. Oh, and another thing I do, which is really nice too is (yes, more puff pastry!) antipasto squares. Get a square of puff pastry, score a border in it about 15mm from the edge, fill the inside of the border with some chopped cherry tomatoes, antipasto (grilled aubergines/ artichoke hearts...), sprinkle some mozarella on top is you want, whoosh round the edge with some milk or egg white and then bake until golden. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 08/03/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 10:19
Just get the green apples that have a red flush to them - the ones that don't look "perfect" and polished. Cox's are just normal eating apples - not too sweet, not too juicy and not sharp.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 08:53
PS- As a Canadian I found it funny that people compared UK cold with Dubai heat when talking about extremes! When I lived in the UK (OK the southern part but still) I found it positively balmy... I'm the same - it is funny. I find the cold far, far easier to deal with and don't have a problem going out in -10, but here, there's absolutely nothing you can do to not feel the heat. A UV parasol really helps though - well, that's what I'm telling myself, because I'll still be walking to the bus stop in June. In theory. I'm going to be the sweatiest, reddest scummy mummy at school pick-up! lol As for kids being able to cope... I'd say it depends on the child. My eldest sweats a lot when it's hot and breaks out in a heat rash, so that would be a "no" and dehydration can be a real issue too. Never leave the house without water.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 23:25
Isn't Dubai (or the UAE) aiming for the very achievable 0 road fatalities by 2020 or something? Hmmm...
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 22:21
If it's 35C in the UK it's much worse than when it nudges 50C here [url=http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~jskong/orly.gif'>orly?![/url'> I love that link Hello Again Kitty!! It has come in so useful on so many occasions... I love conversations that require it! :) (I take it you saw the whole 3-slide sequence)
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 22:14
If it's 35C in the UK it's much worse than when it nudges 50C here [url=http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~jskong/orly.gif'>orly?![/url'>
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 22:11
Thanks so much for the replies....I'm even more excited now that soem of you have done it and been successful! Since I run a food blog, I think it'll only be appropriate if I make my own icing! And I'm trying to keep costs down but will have a peek at the price of the ready made icing. Will have someone manning each station and there are only 15 kidlets so maximum 5 per station! I found this link that I'm absolutely swwoning over- http://blog.amyatlas.com/2010/11/baking-party/ Will post pictures when the party's over! If I suvive! xxx Suki hehe - with 15 toddlers, those pretty pastel colours aren't going to stay pristine for long! Have fun - baking with toddlers always is!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 21:45
you need an alcohol licence to buy stuff though.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 21:43
Really it depends on what country you are coming from. As we are Aussies and from Queensland the Summers aren't that bad! We are always in the pool and the Sun doesn't have the intensity it does back in OZ. Here everything has A/C not like back home soy are better off here. Remember you wont melt if you do venture outside! hehe - whereas I'm from the UK and do start melting when it gets about 35 degrees! It ain't pretty! lol
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 21:15
What a brilliant idea! What about the icing that comes in tubes? Maybe a bit less messy. Just wait for the sugar rush lol :) the icing that comes in tubes is good, but is quite expensive. You could buy tubs of that Betty Crocker stuff [shudder at the ingredients list'> or make your own, which is so very easy - 250g icing sugar, 80g butter, a couple of drops of vanilla and colouring and 25ml of milk. Cream the butter and sugar together until it looks sandy, then add in the liquid and beat senseless for 5 minutes. The kids can then spoon it on, smudge it around and douse it in sprinkles.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 21:01
"Special Needs" aren't just for children with learning difficulties - in the UK, children in advance of their peers also come under this.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:59
Basically, as long as you're under no illusion that you simply won't be able to stay outside for any length of time (like more than 3-5 minutes) between 9h30 and 16h30 then you'll be fine. It's too hot to go swimming between those hours, for example. You'll find yourself in the strange situation of only wanting to go to the pool when it's shaded! I actually find Ramadan during the hotter months easier to cope with for exactly that reason - you spend most of your time indoors, in the privacy of your own home, so the fasting doesn't affect you. July is the most unbearable month because it's hot and humid, but I came back to Dubai from the south of France in the middle of August and actually found it to be very similar! If I were you though, I'd still come out in April - just to help acclimatise yourself and make friends.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:52
If you feel the need for some "blank" cupcakes or cookie dough, I'm sure places like [url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caketastic-Dubai/111813822218118'>Caketastic Dubai[/url'> would be able to help.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 17:10
you can't be overprotective as they do need to learn. One friend use to safety lock everything: doors, cupboards, toilets etc. With our first DS we covered the electrical sockets but nothing else. Just made sure that nothing in his reach was something dangerous. Although now he's 3 and constantly going in the fridge, luckily to grab yogurt. DS2 we will have to be more dilligent. I remember having some of the little friends over when our oldest turned two. The other kids were into everything and the moms just looked at my DS stunned that he wouldn't touch what he wasn't suppose to. Basically he learned quick that you don't touch the stereo, dishes etc. Now I find him pulling his little bro away from those items. DD is the same with DS. As for how to teach them? Well, it's the same as with anything - you talk to them. I tell them why I don't want them to touch it (very briefly) or why I don't want them to do such-and-such. I never whisk them away from something with no explanation, because that doesn't teach them anything. I also teach them not to touch what's not theirs - which is more difficult when it comes to other children's toys, but it's still a good life lesson. Not everything is there for the taking, even if it's tempting. A lot is just repetition though. A firm "no" and being gently ushered away soon gets the message across. Now my son (20 months) just looks at me if he's about to do something he knows not to, and if I shake my head he just walks away of his own accord.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 16:50
I've seen chunks of banana skewered on coloured straws and then dipped in chocolate before which looks fab. If it were me, though, I would be looking for the most fun with the least mess, so cupcake decorating (bake the bases in advance and then have a selection of coloured icings and sprinkles - Geant do big bags of choc and coloured strands)... or making cookies would be good too. Make the dough in advance and then give each child a baking tray, a ball of dough and a pile of cutters in the middle and let them do as they wish. If you wanted to prolong the fun, you could be baking the cookies whilst they play other games/ have tea and then they can come back and decorate them just before home time. I saw some easy-to-use squeezy icing things in Crate& Barrel and @Home in MotE.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 13:01
it makes me wonder about the insurance though....having said that, when i am put on my relatives insurance the company is told that i am visiting from abroad and not resident and they still insure me...we are transparent about the whole thing. If you're temporarily being put on a valid insurance policy and are clear about being a non-resident, then it's fine. However, if you were non-resident and took out a normal insurance policy, it would be void in the case of a claim because all the usual insurers (Directline, Morethan, etc...) assume that the main policy holder is a permanent UK resident. as for the old green thing, i thought it was compulsory to have the photocard? but of course, only if resident there :-/ Yes, I think they were phased out 5-10 years ago!
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:58
Wow, I am learning so much from you ladies - I had a feeling that we weren't doing this right but miss speed seems to have them in them the dryer even before I can say something. That's it then - today onwards, we're putting stuff out to dry. Perhaps, I'll let her use it for the sheets since she's a bit clumsy and is likely to have them fall off in the garden a couple of times whilst putting them up! If you give the items a good flick and then hang them out properly, it also reduces ironing - more money saved! in fact, I don't really do any ironing... DH does his shirts, but that's it! lol! I guess some things would look better ironed though, but, hey, life's too short! The only thing is, get the washing out of the machine and onto the line asap because it can start smelling musty if left damp for too long.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:53
For the period x to x I was employed in one of the most demanding and rewarding (albeit not financially) roles of my career, caring for my child. This role was 24/7 and demanded high level organisational, multi- tasking and time management skills although I agree, this kind of statement just would look rubbish on a CV. Unless childcare is directly related to your career, don't include it on your CV... just like you wouldn't include a stop-gap job at McDonald's. You need to show relevance and focus on transferable skills. Demonstrate that you haven't lost your touch (either with the field or with your skill-set) and that in fact you've progressed in certain areas.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:41
I'm another one for Dr Nicholas & Asp (Dr Bickerton in particular). Some dentists (most) don't like doing any work to a pg woman because giving anaesthetics isn't recommended (and who wants to have a filling done without one?!), but if it's an emergency, it's an emergency.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:37
I dry everything on lines because I don't have a drier... and don't have any rough towels or cardboard sheets. It's better if there's a nice breeze, but even if there's not, it's fine. By cutting out the drier altogether, you'll be saving a small fortune in electricity.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:35
hmm... that's new! I knew it had to be changed/ updated every time you change address though...
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:34
I have to say, agencies don't always send different people - I've had the same agency cleaner (lovely lass) come for over a year, unless she's ill, in which case I get a text message to tell me and a replacement arrives at the usual time.
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 11:23
First and foremost remember that our children have to learn what they can do safely and what they can't, so it's up to you to make sure they can't do any serious harm, but also that their environment isn't covered in bubble-wrap. From experience, I've discovered that (my) children only make the same mistake once or twice (bumps, climbing, falling, doing "stupid things"...) and will generally lose interest in doing something daft if you don't make a huge fuss about it or will stop trying when it's clear all they're getting is a firm "no". Have a drawer in your kitchen which bubs can access - I filled mine with the tupperware boxes... that way, s/he can explore and "help mummy" but without harm. My current kitchen is too small to have that luxury, so I've made it clear that it's no access when I'm in it and they don't go in. How you react to things will also have a bearing - try not to panic, whip them away, etc... save that for when they try and run into the road. Sometimes it's also helpful to understand what they're after. My son likes sockets... well, in fact he doesn't, he likes switches (pretty harmless) and so when he goes for a socket, he is only interested in flicking the switch and not trying to electrocute himself. I still discourage it, because he's flicked the switch to my PC a few times before now, but it's not actually dangerous. One of my friends had left her glass vases out at floor level (where they were usually displayed), which I thought very brave, but her explanation was that her son needed to learn that some things are not to be touched... which is a very good point when you're going round houses or shops which haven't been baby/ toddler-proofed.
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 19:55
Well, there are a few choices in the Marina already... - Raffles (Marina Walk): 5 mornings a week or nothing, UK Early Years curriculum, 30k/ yr - Jebel Ali/ Marina Nursery (JBR Bahar): can't say much more on this one - Kidville University (JBR Rimal): hellishly expensive, but really nice facilities There's also talk of one in JBR Amwaj starting up. - Cello in Al Fattan Towers does a music & dance focusses daycare thing, I think - Fun&Play (JBR Sadaf) is a drop-in kind of creche, loosely based on the Montessori method, btu I haven't been there in over a year. I also though I saw a signboard up by the JLT stop sayign there was a nursery opening up in JLT... again, no idea of timescale or other details, because we're already sorted and happy.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 10:28
Wall Cravings have some nice designs. Not sure if they have a stock, but you can always try them.
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 10:25
Gardener and house cleaners? :\: Are we talking real life here or are we trying to screw hubby royally? we'll be talking about champagne brunches next! ;) My cheeky gardener was 15 quid an hour in the uk so I'd certainly claim that from hubby! But yes, it would be screwing him for a bit more than he should pay...... I love doing my own garden in the UK... I'd never pay someone to miss out on so much fun!
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 10:23
Yes, absolutely... and many other forums jump to the latest unread post too, which is so helpful. I just can't understand why it's set up like this tbh.
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 10:21
there's also a setting whereby people have to actually message you before they are able to send a friend request, which many spammers/ dodgy people won't do.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 23:19
Can anybody tell me what the abbreviations you use mean? DH. LL. GBP, AED.....Im lost~~~ LOL GBP = £ LL = landlord DH = dear husband (loosely) AED = dirham
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 23:18
I'd personally disagree with most of the "reasons" Google's come up with. I've never made a cake-type "bread" with yeast nor any other type of flour. Plus none of my banana breads are anything but perfectly moist! Maybe it's just something as simple as this recipe is baked in a "loaf tin", and "loaf" is usually associated with "loaf of bread" ergo, everything that comes out of a loaf tin is "bread"... kind of mistaken logic, imo, but hey.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 23:10
what a wonderful story, Shaf - I'm so glad you got everything you wanted out of your labour and that it was so fantastic for you... it's also great to have another "easy", drug-free birth-story for mums-to-be to see! You've also gone to show what you can achieve if you don't let yourself be bossed around or intimidated by members of staff! Quite worrying though that City seem so ill-equipped. Not having beds, seats or towels is something you hear about in deprived areas of London!
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 23:00
Gardener and house cleaners? :\: Are we talking real life here or are we trying to screw hubby royally? we'll be talking about champagne brunches next! ;)
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 22:57
I like to give it a try but is it JBR or Marina? It's in JBR - Rimal, in fact, just by Ruby Tuesday's on the Plaza level. I always refer to JBR as being in the Marina, because, well, it is! Definitely give it a go. There's apparently another one in the Green Community which has rave reviews. I can't imagine them being so different, so can only hope the Marina branch reviewer was having an off-day. Shame really - such a scathing review will put a lot of people off.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 21:29
Thanks. No license yet, still no visas, but they said it is ok to buy it on a visit visa, but once we have our residency permits then we can apply for a license. always be wary of what "they" say. It's is illegal for Muslims to drink here, regardless of nationality - indeed western Muslims aren't allowed a license. Supplying alcohol is therefore akin to drug dealing and tempting a Muslim with alcohol is a criminal offence. That is the letter of the law, but of course "everyone" drinks... which is almost as dangerous a generalisation as "they"...
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 21:02
Haru in JBR is really nice. Not a buffet, but they do an eamayl where you order as many times as you want from their menu and they bring it fresh. Is that place time out dubai called Ikea of sushi? Hmm... yes, apparently so! I completely disagree with their review though because I've eaten there a few times and is by far better than Itsu (Marina Walk) and imo Benihana too (went there for the "buffet" and just got served with plates of exactly the same sushi, time after time which was dull beyond belief). I won't pretend to be a proper sushi connoisseur, but I do like the stuff and know when I don't!
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 21:02
Hashi in Armani hotel does the most amazing japanese brunch with an endless buffet of sushi, sashimi, robotayaki, soup, noodles, rice, tepan ...of the highest quality. A delight. I think it's 290 pp and 395 with alcohol edited by Quizzme on 17/02/2011 right... [jots down the details'> Might go there this weekend!
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:53
Extra things if she needs it: window cleaner, gardener, homecare cover (e.g. British gas home care for boiler service and maintenance etc), curtains in a rented house/ furniture?, water/sewerage charges, congestion charges (if travelling in and out of London by car) - not the most obvious things or necessarily needed but just in case. If she's renting, then the LL has to keep the boiler serviced every year, so no need for Homecare. Home insurance, however, is important, contents only, since it's the LL's responsibility to keep the building in good repair. Gardener?! Window Cleaner?! Actually, we have a window cleaner come every 3 months - charges £10 for doing our semi. House cleaners charge £10-15/ hour, but again, I used to have one come in for 1h a week and that was enough.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:46
What I am about to say is not a wind up. I don't drink. Never wold i have thought alcohol, was a downer. Everyone drinking it seems so happy and they are excited about drinking it even before hand. Beat me! Some alcoholic drinks are stimulants, some are depressants... it's well known that gin, for example, can push someone who's a bit down even further. Tequila, on the other hand, is often happy-happy. Most of the time though, it just accentuates the person's current feelings, so can bring out all kinds of emotions because they are less in control. Some people like being less in control, and so turn to drinking to alter their perception of things.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:43
As many times with a one time charge? yeah, I think it's around 100-120AED (don't quote me - we ate there a while back) and they have a little special menu with sushi, appetisers, mains and deserts, which I was surprised at and yes, you can order as much as you like, as often as you like. You just have to eat it all.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:40
Can you ride out a headache without medication? Yes, I guess so, but you don't get a medal for doing so and really, is it worth it? Other things to try (in conjunction with medication, or not) would be: - multivitamins, including magnesium and iron - aromatherapy (I swear by frankincense) - yoga/ pilates/ t'ai chi or other exercise - meditation. One of my t'ai chi teachers explained to visualise yourself sitting on the bank of a river, watching the river flow past. Your thoughts will come and go in your mind as if swept away by the current - by all means think about them (there's no such thing as a totally blank mind), but let them go with the flow of the river. Frankincense will help you let go of them. - talk about it. Write it down just express it as a healing tool towards understanding - take action - this is the hardest thing to do. Not in a "get a grip" kind of way, but by making a small difference in your life. Start a new exercise class, do a detox, set yourself a mini-goal and work towards it, even if it's "i will remember to eat at 20h".
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:30
The doc prescribed Amoxcillin 500mg antibiotics. He said its fine for breastfeeding mums but living in Dubai for 10 years I dont really trust doctors here. I called my aunt who is a pediatrician and works in a New York hospital. She also said amoxcillin is fine and small traces of the meds do go into the breastmilk but its so little it has no effect on the baby. Im not ready to wean and Im happy to be able to take meds and feed my bubs. Thanks ladies! :) I think that's one of the ones that's given to children anyway... the name rings a bell.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:26
If anything, try to avoid creams whenever possible. There are various things to try out in conjunction with treatment, such as diet (eczema can apparently be aggravated by allergens - so wheat, dairy, etc...), the oat bath is very soothing too, as KellsBells suggested. Also, just keeping baby cool and dry. My daughter's cleared up noticeably when I put her in lighter and looser cotton clothing. It's also important to try and keep it under control by using a thick emollient cream (with no perfumes or other additives) such as Diprobase, E45 or Cetraben. Do this at every nappy change if it's really bad, but every day if it's not. You may need to blitz it to stop the dry-itchy-inflamed-more-itchy cycle by using a hydrocortisone cream. Current advice on that is to use it in short, sharp blitzes, rather than prolonged but lesser doses and always in conjunction with the emollient.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:19
Haru in JBR is really nice. Not a buffet, but they do an eamayl where you order as many times as you want from their menu and they bring it fresh.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 12:37
Oh gosh yes of course, but I didn't think that was the question. It's always a good idea to cover all bases! Pharmacists here have happily sold me steroid cream, anti-inflammatories, anti-biotic creams and pills without even asking who they were for, let alone if they were appropriate or stating the doses. Scary!
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 12:32
it's one of those things where it's difficult to document if it actually works or not because the same woman may have gone into labour anyway... and each labour is different. It is said that raspberry leaf tea is a uterine stimulant, which causes the uterus to contract. The idea is that it won't bring on early labour (not a good idea anyway - bubs ideally should be properly cooked!), but instead will help the contractions to be more effective. The advice is to definitely not start taking it before 34-35 weeks gestation... just in case! I drank the tea (not as often as recommended, which is something daft like 5-7 cups a day) with my 1st and had a 3 hour labour. I took it in capsule form (again, only when I remembered!) with my second and had an easier labour, if longer. Second time around, I tried every Old Wives tale in the book (short of Castor Oil) as I was 8 days overdue, but nothing worked to bring on labour. It'll happen when it needs to. It's for that reason that I feel that, really, if there's any effect, it's mainly psychosomatic and [i'>that is no bad thing[/i'>. If you firmly believe that, because you have taken the raspberry leaf, then your contractions will be more effective, then they probably will be, because you are thinking positively and feel that you have actively taken control of part of the process. Positive thinking will serve you in far better stead than any home-remedy, but if you need a crutch to help you, then absolutely go for it. Oh, and the tea tastes foul! ;)
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 12:21
Unfortunately it isn't as simple as that. Doctors are not lactation specialists and often it helps for Mum to have evidence based information to discuss with her doctor as they choose the best treatment option for her. I have come across too many mums who have unnecessarily terminated their Bf relationship prematurely or who have delayed treatment for themselves because they were wrongly told that their meds were incompatible w Bf. Have also seen the opposite; Mum told by doc that meds ok while Bf, when they are not. sure, but this is a place where you can buy all kinds of strictly-speaking prescription medication over the counter, so rather than self-medicating, a consultation with a knowledgeable dr is a must.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 11:53
never take any medication apart from paracetamol without consulting your Dr first... it's as simple as that.
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 11:31
With regards to renting, she will need 1 month's rent and the deposit will be the equivalent of 1 month's rent too. Rents on a 2 bed place are anything from 500 to 1200 depending on location. Utilities and whatnot generally don't ask you to pay upfront, so once set up, it'll be a month before the next bill. She should count around £25/ month towards internet and phone, about £12 a month for TV license (pay direct debit), and around £50 a month for elec&gas... and say £10/ month for water. Most utilities give discounts for paying a fixed sum by direct debit each month, so it's worth doing. uSwitch is a great website to find out what's cheapest in the area you're staying in. Council tax is the biggie (£100-150/ month) and depends on the value of the property, but as she will be the only adult, she will only have to pay 75%. She will need to contact the Council and arrange it. Again, they don't ask to pay upfront. She should also look into the information on directgov.co.uk (I think that's the site) for anything she may be entitled to. Certainly Child Benefit and quite possibly Child Tax Credit. If she's not working, or looking for work, she should also contact JobcentrePlus - she might not be entitled to anything, but if you don't ask... I usually budget £75/ week for food and sundries when I'm there on my own with my 2. As for actual set-up costs like furniture, pots and pans and things, well, it depends on taste and whatnot. However, Tescos, for example do all this and have a good loyalty points system which equates to money off shopping and is well worth taking out their card before any major spending! Points mean prizes! If she's really on a shoe-string, she should also look to get stuff from charity shops and friday-ads. I'm a great fan of both - the former for children's clothes and the latter for everything else! I hope this helps! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 17/02/2011</em>
 
 
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