HorizonMum2

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 08:18

are you referring to the Fairy Godmother's Club??? [url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/fairygodmothersdubai/'>link[/url'>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 08:17

i can't sit still!! my nephew won this contest on virgin radio and he is now going to be the opening act at the Alicia Keys/Jason Derulo concert!!! i'd love for the whole family to be able to go see him sing (i've entered every single competition in dubai to try and win those tickets!!) and we've even bought a couple of tickets but are looking for two more... so if any of you have tickets but aren't planning to go can you please ping me on here... thanks! and if any of you want to hear my nephew sing... check this out [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXpcdR8FW0c&hd=1'>link[/url'>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 16:34

me and my friends currently do a group yoga session in the downtown area (at home) and the instructor we have also charges AED 350 per session (AED 300 if you book a block of 10 sessions)... this is probably the average rate... perhaps get one or two of your neighbours to join you and hence reduce the financial burden per class <em>edited by HorizonMum2 on 10/11/2013</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 16:16

hahhahaha... lets not shoot her down till she's presented her next point! :) #innocentuntilproven guilty

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 16:16

What is a slightly messy, chaotic home the image of? a normal family perhaps??!!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 15:39

i've had eye surgery done under Dr. Anupama Rao at City Hospital... mine was more complex than a simple lasik surgery but i was very pleased with the staff and facilities at City Hospital... from what i remember they used to charge around 12K for LASIK

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 15:25

[b'>so here's what i LOVE about the school[/b'> - real community small school feel where everyone knows everyone - truly international mix of students... 54 nationalities at the last count... in my DD's class, for example, the mix of children are 2 british, 2 scottish, 2 french, 2 indian, 2 pakistani, 2 filipino, 3 arab expat, 2 ozzie, 2 south african, 1 german, 1 sri lankan, 1 kenyan, 1 japanese, 1 irish, 1 italian, 1 kiwi - well behaved, grounded and loving children... a true delight to see children mix around with different age groups, year 6 for example, helping out the younger kids in the playground, etc - lovely dedicated teachers... they pride themselves on their teachers and infact also offer an opporunity for learning teachers to train under them - fostering an overall development... where in the child is encouraged to find out what type of SMART they are and excel in that area... an equal emphasis on extra curricular, creative and sport activities as much as academics - learning through play methodology - great adult to child ratio in class - excellent BRAIN GYM teaching and learning support department - reduced pressure in terms of homework etc (they actually have a no-homework policy!) - high level of parental involvement welcomed... if you have a lot of time on your hands the school encourages you to come in and volunteer to help out in your child's class either actively or passively (as much as five times a week if you can spare the time!) - head teacher is familiar with all the children and their families - the PTA plays a very strong role in supporting the school and its needs... one of the few schools that still have parents painting the sets of the stage and stitching costumes for school musicals!! - OUTSTANDING khda rating :) - excellent music teacher [b'>and here's what i DON'T LOVE about the school[/b'> - lack of a full fledged transport system (they only have one bus or maybe two) that transport the children... but this is also because most parents are available to do the school drop offs/pick up - poor & difficult to navigate website... they have never seen this as a priority and hence have not invested much money into this so i am always secretly jealous of some of the more awesome school websites such as Kings, JESS, JPS, etc. - fact that it's still only a primary school... really wish it was a full fledged school all the way to o-levels so that i dont have to go through all the hassle after year 6... but then again that would dilute the one thing i love most about the school... that its' small! - u dont see much evidence of their school work (unless you volunteer as a parent helper)... and basically u will only know what they do when u attend one of the parent evenings each term... unless of course u have a child as chatty as mine - no school canteen... which means us mums are responsible for all those packed lunches... uggghhhh - i'm not a big fan of their yellow uniform though i must admit that the school has asked parents for suggestions but we've not come up with anything concrete! - the headteacher is quite headstrong... but then again i dont see how one could run a school in dubai without being that way! :) i hope all this has helped... if not please feel free to ping in a line here and i can send u my contact number for a quick chat on the phone... <em>edited by HorizonMum2 on 10/11/2013</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 14:43

i think the reason they say dont flush it down the toilet is coz it ends up clogging the drains...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 14:04

i'm a horizon mum and i do agree that they are not a 'highly' academic school but in terms of comparison the school itself issues results of the average academic levels of british schools and the school falls in the above average section... not sure if that info helps but just thought i'd put it across... we didnt want a highly academic school for primary level so we're quite happy with Horizon... with regards to year 6 students... as per the latest info sent out to parents they don't need to worry as they get automatic entry into year 7 at Star International (now a sister school)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 17:42

all the best for tomorrow TDB... may the universe be yours! :) god bless!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 16:15

wow over 2000dhs just for shipping??!!! yikes!! why not look at some other toy stores here... like Hamleys or ToysRUs... they usually stock STEP brand and FisherPrice, etc... or this shop called Goodbaby [url=http://www.goodbabydubai.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=60&Itemid=80'>link[/url'> is the link to their kitchen role play areas or rent one from ToysOnRent... my kids get bored of their toys so soon! or you could try this wooden toy store in Dragonmart called CANOE Fzco... they stock mostly wooden toys and party items... the shop location number in Dragonmart is HBM 06-07

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 17:04

omggggggg really??!!! will check it out for sure!! thanks for the tip (hopefully sale will be on till tomorrow... busy at work today!)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 17:03

what's ur budget for this... Panasonic do some awesome ones... but they're not cheap!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 16:17

Spinneys usually has some spray on stuff, the Kiddi Kutz at Fun City locations also do it. About AED 10 per colour I think. i need it for school tomorrow morning so that rules out Kiddi Kutz... i'll give spinneys and park n shop a try after work today... hopefully something will work out

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 16:00

salon ink sell colour bugs - i think that they are wash out they have funky colours. i checked the Salon Ink (well called them up)... unfortunately it's way outta my price range... they said each colour is around 80/-dhs :( looks like i'll have to resort to cheap food colouring

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 15:44

If you are desperate, food colouring also works and washes out :) edited by pollydxb1 on 06/11/2013 reallyy???? never thought of that... i'm sure i have at least three different colours at home... but wont it be too wet??

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 13:05

i also have some buntings (plastic ones) from the party... if you'd want to do some extra decorating, consider buying mini wooden treasure boxes (from day to day in karama... they cost around 2-3dhs each) and filling these with chocolate gold coins, pearls, plastic gems, etc. i also remember printing out some warning signs and pirates aboard signs onto A4 sized paper and sticking them randomly around the house

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 12:56

the bandanas are super easy... just go to karama (old shopping complex area) and there are many little stores selling scarves/bandanas... just pick something with a repeated skull print... how many do you need? i may have around 10 leftover from a similar party i did a while back... if ur buying from karama dont forget to haggle! :) eye patches can be made quite easily with some felt paper and string... but if you want to buy them just dash over to the Party Centre in Garhoud and pick up a lot of them... word of warning though the party shop ones are with an elastic thin string that snaps if used rashly...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 12:10

i remember seeing something similar from this photographer 'Enchante' on a facebook post but cant seem to locate the entry any longer... she does offer some packages for portrait shoots that seem quite competitive... perhaps worth giving her a shout if you like her style... her blog can be accessed here [url=http://www.enchantelifestyles.com/photo-sessions/enchante-portrait-couture-sara'>link[/url'> i haven't used her though so no idea how approachable (or not) she is...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 17:42

wooohooo... thanks a ton Catawba... didn't even think to check there... would you mind sharing how much they cost? i'm looking to buy around two dozen

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 15:36

the easiest (and most cost effective) would be to have it at your community park... Dubai Municipality have community parks in some residential areas so depending on where you live, you could pick the one closest to you... you would need to get in touch with the parks supervisor (by email) and then request permission for the day, date, time you want to book the venue for... once you get this permission you can take this to the security guard at the park and advise him of the exact location inside the venue that you would like reserved for yourself... he will then duly enter this info into a register kept at the office... if you send me an email [email protected] i can give you some suggestions on themes, caterers, party organizers, etc... the weather's nice now for an outdoor function... but i just heard that some areas of UAE had thunderstorms... how bizarre!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 14:39

or maybe you could gift a small bag of seeds (or one that's already pre-planted in some soil)... to signify new life :) if it's a flowering long last plant the guest is sure to remember the baby for much after a cupcake has been digested! :) What a lovely idea thanks!! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 14:38

there's also this other place called 'Play Around At Someplace Nice' that does the glow in the dark mini golf... some bowling alleys offer cosmic bowling as well... if that doesn't work then do it just at home... some LED lights from Dragonmart... glowsticks from Party Centre... some 'glow in the dark cups' http://www.mommysavers.com/frugal-sleepover-fun-glow-in-the-dark-cups/... and themed food http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-glow-in-the-dark-food-magic-colors-and-giant-bubbles/

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 14:32

the bakeries like Mr. Bakers, Caesars, Pumpys, HotBreads, etc do cupcakes for AED 5/- and AED 6/- and are quite yummy too... but again they are just the regular iced ones and not the more elaborate fondant ones

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 14:13

or maybe you could gift a small bag of seeds (or one that's already pre-planted in some soil)... to signify new life :) if it's a flowering long last plant the guest is sure to remember the baby for much after a cupcake has been digested! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:40

i've heard it rumoured that the long weekend is to get into the celebrations if Dubai wins the Expo2020 (following it's announcement on Wednesday, 17th Nov)... not sure if it's true though... I think you mean the 27th November ;) oopppsss yesss... sorry... just corrected it! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:01

no dry day issue... as it's not an islamic holiday

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:00

try calling al kawakeb property management... they manage a couple of compound villas in the al sufouh area (next to DIC / DMC/ KV)... might be worth getting into a waiting list with them... their properties are generally quite old but well maintained... a 3 bedroom villa goes between 160-180K at the moment... but may change once the Expo2020 win is announced in our favour...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 12:55

i've heard it rumoured that the long weekend is to get into the celebrations if Dubai wins the Expo2020 (following it's announcement on Wednesday, 27th Nov)... not sure if it's true though... <em>edited by HorizonMum2 on 05/11/2013</em>

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 14:16

i just check Spectrum on One... their prices start at AED 380 and that's just for the food... non alcoholic beverages are extra... will call up Grand Grill now

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 14:00

hello ladies... i need to arrange a business dinner event for some clients at work (just around 10-12 people) and am looking out for nice restaurants with a private dining room... I checked at IVY(EmiratesTowers) and AMAL (Armani) but their rates are a lil crazy (starting at AED 450 per head)... I'm looking for something around the 300-350 mark... if you know of anything can you let me know... thanks!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 13:09

how about a 'blind' dinner??? we recently tried this at Spectrum on One in Fairmont hotel and were quite thrilled by it! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 12:10

For animal type costumes for children and wooden toys you can go to this shop in Dragonmart called CANOE Fzco... they stock mostly wooden toys and party items... the owner's name is Betty Chen and you can reach her on 050-6875286 or 04-4245843... the shop location number in Dragonmart is HBM 06-07 they seemed to have many animal type costumes and are competitively priced at AED 30-AED 50

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 12:05

trying going to BurJuman... they have a clinic there called Unicare that is offering free screening this month

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 11:55

the name of the shop is CANOE Fzco... they stock mostly wooden toys and party items... the owner's name is Betty Chen and you can reach her on 050-6875286 or 04-4245843 the shop location number in Dragonmart is HBM 06-07 probably best to call her to check if she has a dinosaur costume before venturing out there... they seemed to have many animal type costumes but i can't remember specifically if i saw a dinosaur one... the costumes are priced at AED 30-AED 50

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 14:27

'best' is a very relative term... what's 'best' for one child may not necessarily be the 'best' for another... you have already conquered the first hurdle... of deciding which curriculum you want your son to do... then make a list of all the UK curriculum schools out there (the list is longggg) within this list there are UK curriculum schools taught and run by Asians (such as St. Marys, Al Diyafah, Scholars International, Dubai Gem, Cambridge, etc.) and UK curriculum schools taught and run by Western expats (such as JESS, Kings, DESS, JPS, Horizon, Safa, Star International, English College, etc.)... so you need to decide which of these you want for your child... then beside that put an approximate figure of their annual school fees (of course, if you have an unlimited education budget from your company that won't matter at all and you can skip this step) if you go by the KHDA ratings then KINGS will probably closest match the 'best' description as they have been getting OUTSTANDING as a rating ever since KHDA first evaluated them... however, many other schools (8 to be specific) have now reached this status as well... so, if you trust their judgement, this list would be a good place to base your shortlist on if you haven't already applied to JESS or Kings or JPS or Horizon or DESS you are very unlikely to be able to secure a place for FS1 next September... perhaps it is worth a thought of putting your child in a known feeder nursery or then FS1 in another school and reapply for a higher year group (places seem to free up in higher classes as opposed to the lower classes) i personally loved the old-school feel at DESS but being a non-western expat, i just felt my child would feel largely singled out in a predominantly british environment... which is why i then put her in a more international school... we didn't make it through the assessment anyway (and we were told at the assessment that first preference would be for british expats as it's a non profit British school) all the best in your hunt... and i strongly recommend going for as many school tours as possible to get a true feel of the school environment... it will really help in you reaching your decision

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 17 October 2013 - 14:57

when you say 'not too expensive' what do you mean... 'expensive' is such a relative term! :) i know someone who does event photography for 450dhs an hour... if you're interested reply back...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 15:47

i get mine from Sugaholic bakeshop (opposite Burjuman)... yummy scrummy... and they cost between AED 10-AED 12 depending on the flavour selected they deliver too... for an extra AED 50/-

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 14:37

hello ladies... would any of you be able to offer any feedback on this... trying to narrow down options for an upcoming wedding reception function for 300 guests... for the date i want many hotels are unavailable (although it's for Jan next year)... rejects received include Moevenpick (Bur Dubai), Emirates Towers, Crowne Plaza (SZR), Crowne Plaza (DFC), etc... any ideas welcome... thanks!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 08:56

My children used to be at Horizon. Its one of the best Schools with lovely staff! If you are looking at "Acadamics"... then perhaps this is not the School as its more of a Montessori style with happy content children. We can see a huge difference in Horizon and our present School. I would suggest a School Tour especially around midday-ish, when everybodys a bit tired.. you would still see Smiling faces of both Teachers andthe Children :) I completely agree with this... they are school that believes in developing a child holistically... it is a very nuturing environment... very small school feel... where the Head Teacher knows the names of all the children in school... they encourage parents to be very involved in the school so if you have the time and inclination, you can volunteer at school every day if you want!! My child has been there for the past three years and we are very happy with the school, the teachers, the level of education and the facilities (albiet small!)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 08:54

no worries... pls feel free to email me and I'll try and answer your questions as honestly as possible...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 16:22

nams... i replied back... can u call me instead...will be easier than typing loads!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 15:30

thanks pollydxb... but i've already had to re-register three times... so would prefer to offer my suggestions offline! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 15:23

i second Gauchos!! it's awesome... service is excellent... and ambience is quite lovely too!! :)

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 15:15

I'd be able to help and offer some suggestions... since we're not allowed to promote or name any businesses here can you please email me on [email protected] and i'll be able to give you some feedback thanks

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 13:36

not sure about there being any in creek park... but mamzar park have chalets!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 08 October 2013 - 10:19

try Plato at Atlantis (i think it's around 130 or 140)... or The Lounge at Park Hyatt (again 130 or 140)... i've been for BabyShowers at these places and found it quite nice...

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 12:10

ahhh ok... thanks for letting me know... i have a feeling DH might decide against it now... his idea of a chilled camping trip is (unfortunately!) one with a free flow of alcohol!

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 11:35

hi for those of you who have camped at UAQ Marine Club before have you been able to carry/consume alcoholic beverages? any feedback will be appreciated thanks christina

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EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 09:04

perhaps if you share your theme it will be a little easier for us to suggest some ideas... if you want something really inexpensive then you can get these cute porcelain baby angles/sleepingbabies figurines at the discount stores (DaytoDay, Gift Village) for AED 2/- to AED 5/- each... these are quite cute and can be a keepsake for their homes... Or if you want to go really innovative why not give them a little ribbon that says that a donation has been made to a children's hospital or orphanage in their name... and of course, make the donation!!! :) if you're okay with something slightly more expensive why not a flowering plant in a theme coloured pot? The pot can be personalised with the receiver's name or the mummy-to-be's name.. if you do lean towards cupcakes in jars then A Ranchers look AWESOME! :)

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