johjoh | ExpatWoman.com
 

johjoh

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Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 09:44
You have to buy it in person, with your passport, at the shop and fill in a claim form (which you hand in at the UK airport on your return) to get a refund for the taxes. I usually save my pennies all year then treat myself to a nice bag on my return to UK in summer. I have tried to do it online but no-one has let me yet..maybe this is because of the £250 max thing or because they need to see your overseas visa? Hope i am not telling you something you already know :)
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 17:39
Does anyone know where i can get bedding for my new emperor bed please? DH has surprised me with a new bed being delivered...however, i don't know where to go for bedding that big! TIA
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Latest post on 19 October 2013 - 14:26
I need the pc cleaned up though? Can I do that myself? My WORD program has disappeared too!!!
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Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 08:18
How much did you pay for the services? I have the large Anthony Mulberry in Oak and it is rain damaged..I have no idea what they'd charge to restore it.... Thanks x
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Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 09:50
Has anyone done it themselves? Is it easy? I got the Arabic Birth Certificate from the hospital so just need to get it attested/translated etc.
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 17:51
Thanks Kelly and thanks ladies. I am going to give it a miss. I have a few gynae issues already so I don't want to make things worse!
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 17:49
Has anyone noticed where has the best selection of Lego Friends here? My daughter has just asked for a few different sets for her Birthday, which I wish she'd done before we left the UK and there's no time for shipping before her birthday now! Thanks x
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 19:07
Glad this is something that came up as we will need to think about this too as we have 4 cats (including one very spoilt queen bee) so if they are hard to find here will bring one or two back from the UK. Johjoh, I'm heading to the UK early Oct if yoy don't manage to find one by then, happy to bring an extra one back for you? Oh Bella! That would be great! What date do you travel? I will let you know if I don't find one. I am so miffed because I kept picking them up in Mothercare and putting them down, thinking 'Noooo, more to carry home!'
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 18:57
Oh gosh, really??!! Thought I'd missed the boat 10 years ago when I had my first baby!! Thank you for that info!! x
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Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 17:56
OMG I thought you meant after it was born!! It is personal choice to find out the *** of your baby but this is a definite 'con' to doing so! I haven't found out what this next (3rd) baby is and my 2 daughters want a girl but we have talked to them and explained that it doesn't matter if it is a girl or a boy, we just want a healthy baby....and we get what *** we are given!!! If your son is 8, he should understand! My 2 are 6 and 9 years and are fine with it. Congratulations on your baby...it MIGHT be a boy!!!!
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Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 17:45
Please can anyone recommend a hairdresser for my 6 year old daughter's fine hair close to AR? One that will not cost the earth as she only needs a trim and has very fine hair so it isn't a major job! We tried Shima (was Bianca's) at the Ranches last time and it was a disaster and cost quite a bit too! Thanks in advance x
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Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 17:41
Thanks Maxmistry! Yes, the reasons you gave for using the cat net is exactly why I want one. I will look in Times Square...I forgot about Babies R Us and I will look into the B-Safe shop. Already looked in BabyShop, C4, M&P, Mothercare, Spinneys & Geant. Our kitty is inside at night. He is about 11 months old now and we have kept him in the maids room and laundry room at night so I think we will carry on doing that. During the day, as you say, I think it is going to be cushions on baby's rocker and maybe before we find a cat net I will have to put cushions in the carrycot and crib (haven't got a cot yet). Please do post of you remember where you got it but in the meantime, thanks soooo much for your advice x
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Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 09:09
bump for any more suggestions :) for today or tomorrow :) <em>edited by johjoh on 23/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 09:04
I work for the Government so I am lucky (apparently)....I get 60 days Maternity leave...whooooooo! So they will get my resignation 30 days into that. I was offered 'milk time' of up to 2 hours a day for feeding but I declined!
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 13:29
Oh wow, I guess 18 isn't that high. Are they giving you any treatment for it? How far are you? I hope everything is okay for you. This Dr is the same Dr who at my 24 week scan said I had Placenta Previa...then every other Dr has assured me and shown me that I haven't! I am with Latifa Hospital so I have a different Dr every time I go now...I had a good Dr at my local health clinic up until July but now my appointments have to be at the hospital and the Drs work on rotation :( My last baby was 4.7kg so I knew this one could be a biggy too so the date change doesn't worry me...means they won't let me go over as far as I did last time! I guess I just need to relax and go with the flow.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 12:10
Hmmm I hadn't thought of that Meagle, you are right. Through my pregnancy various Drs here and the midwife when I was in England over the summer kept saying I was measuring a week ahead but never changed the date and then the Dr I saw on Sunday said it is obvious that I am due 2nd not 9th Sept so she wouldn't let me go over the 9th Sept. Thank you for your wishes. I am sure all will be fine..it's just too worrying!
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 11:55
Never had decent food at Urbano :( Anywhere else recommended? We have family (with early teens) coming end of October so there will be a group of 11 of us. We've done Carluccios, mOre, Urbano, Baker & Spice.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 11:46
I have posted this in the Pregnancy forum but no-one has replied yet so I thought I would try on here as I am getting worried. My scan last week showed my fluid measuring at 18 and apparently the normal is 14...my blood sugar has always been normal (had 2 previous blood glucose tests). Had another blood test yesterday to check my blood sugar and it is normal again. I am booked to go into the Fetal Monitoring Unit on Sunday but baby looked fine on the scan last week. I am 37 weeks but due to the size of the baby through the pregnancy the Dr now says I am 38 weeks and due 2 weeks yesterday. The baby apparently weighs approx. 4kg now which is normal for a 3rd baby...I think??? I am just worried about all of this now and don't know anyone that has had Polyhydramnios...anyone had any experience with it or have any comments please TIA
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 20:44
Thanks sooo much white Orchid! And thanks for sharing your email address...I have a few questions so I will contact you in next few days! THANK YOU!!!!! x <em>edited by johjoh on 13/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 08:29
Bump :)
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Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 15:04
That's great Pickaboo. I had my antenatal appointments at Nad Al Sheba Clinic as I work 2 minutes up the road from there. I asked the staff at Latfia Hospital to change my allocated clinic (closest to where I live apparently but really inconvenient) to Nad al Sheba because of where I work, they were great and did it for me after a little bit of pleading and lots of nice smile from me haha I have heard good things about Dubai Hospital but have never been there. I chose Latifa because of it's reputation and as it is close to my kid's school and my work. Good luck with everything and if you need any help or advice about Government clinics/hosps give us a shout :)
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Latest post on 20 July 2013 - 17:06
Thanks alot, all you lovely ladies for your replies. AD, I have an insurance but it doesnt cover maternity and that's the reason i have to go through all this hassle since the time i have realized i am preggers. We were firstly having doubts which hospital to select and decided Dubai Hospital considering that all the risks would be handled efficiently. But what has happened now was completely unforeseen. I am thinking to go to a private hospital now but i wanna ask one thing. Now that i have my health card and my file is also opened in the health centre but i havent paid for the antenatal package as yet; is it possible that i go for prenatal care and delivery to a private hospital? And God forbid if any complication arises and i am referred to government hospital, will they accept me? I want to take a final decision after considering all the aspects. Hi Just wanted to tell you that my experience with Latifa and the government health clinic in Nad al Sheba has been nothing but fantastic! I am now 33 weeks with my 3rd child and have experienced City Hospital (good Dr, bad sonographer, too busy and businesslike) and Latifa and I FAR prefer Latifa. I can see my Dr at Nad al Sheba whenever I want and she sometimes doesn't even record it as part of the package. I have been able to get appointments at the hospital whenever I needed them. I work with locals so maybe I am more tolerant to some of the less helpful ladies, however, I haven't come across many. I find Latifa quieter, more serene and relaxing than any of the other big hospitals. Each to their own I guess :)
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 18:12
My dds would like regular pocket money so they can save for different things. I have no idea how much to give them. And do I get them to do chores in exchange or should they be doing those anyway? Any comments greatly received! :) TIA
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 18:10
I have used Mr. Ganesh for curtains and as well as for Roman Blinds . I was very happy with his work and his team.They come home and take measurements and also have a large selection of modern materials and are quite reasonable with their prices. He also does sofa upholstery.. this is Mr.Ganesh number 050 7950748 Ganesh is fantastic! Moved villas 3 times in 5 years and always use him! I second this recommendation :)
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 18:07
My mum always comes for exactly 40 days (using the 30 days and 10 days grace period) and has never had a problem :)
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 18:03
This late business has really put me off going to any shows now. I would LOVE to see RhiRhi but no way..I'm not taking the gamble! I will stick to Sandance :) Just hope there'll be no fighting this time....that's another story hahahaha!
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Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 14:08
So I am thinking of going to Pilates at Exhale in MC on Saturday...does anyone already go or is anyone interested in joining me? <em>edited by johjoh on 03/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:36
Thanks ladies...now 21 weeks and feeling much better. But still no yoga or pilates classes found near the Ranches...I work during the day so they need to be weekend or evening...anyone know any please? x
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:33
Hello and welcome Grateful ;) Also, I live on the Ranches and I am 21+4 weeks with my 3rd...I am thinking of trying the Exhale (Motor City) PreNatal pilates on Saturday morning...anyone interested in joining me? I have never pilated before ;) edited by johjoh on 02/05/2013 edited by johjoh on 02/05/2013
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Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 08:36
Any more suggestions?
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Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 08:35
Oh my. I've had this and it can be really frustrating. What helped me was applying a mild heating balm like tiger balm on axe oil on my legs and wrapping them up to keep nice and warm. Also a hot water bottle as it will help with the numb feeling. Hope this helps you . I will try this next! I also need to get some more sensible shoes for work. My flats and sandals are not cushioned enough. When I wore my M&S footglove pumps the other day I slept so much better that night. So the next job is to find some decent looking sandals and shoes that are actually cushioned and supportive!!! I wore leather ballet pumps to work yesterday and last night I was in agony :( I did hear from a friend about Magnesium so I will try that too. Thanks ladies xxx
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 20:03
I have an 18 month old female Sulcata tortoise available for 'adoption' due to a change in our circumstances :( if anyone has a lovely safe garden for her??? We are in the Ranches. I will put an ad on Classifieds.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 19:55
Yvonne, gorgeous Scottish gal at Great Lengths on Al Wasl Rd. Been 'with' her for around 4 years now :)
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 19:53
I was there yesterday and no sign of it opening yet :(
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Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 07:21
I think it is worth enquiring at DESS for FS2....you can cross your fingers for a place! How about a nursery until then or keep him with you until FS2 so he can settle in to life in Dubai? Victory Heights is far too far to travel from Downtown! There is the GEMS school at DSO - GEMS Wellington DSO - they have FS1 and it is a big school so may have places. Good luck SJ!
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Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 17:19
Ive just come back from 3 weeks in Phuket and loved it, Cant help you out on the room size in the movenpick as we didnt stay there but we did eat there one night and it was ok, personally i think one room for 4 of you is too much and will not be relaxing especially if your pregnant. We had the same problem as we didn't want to spend a fortune on a hotel but we are 2 adults and 2 very small kids, in the end we found a beautiful small resort on the other side if the island (around 25 mins from Karon) it was by far the best holiday we have ever had. We booked a 2 bedroom apartment and it cost around AED 1000 a night. It was a little out of town but we only went to relax so didnt bother us (we find karon and patong to busy anyway) it did have a shuttle bus to the beaches and Patong if we wanted to go out for the day and we just used taxis (we didn't go out a lot as the pool was amazing) it was so good we are already planning to go back in July If you can cancel your hotel i would recommend this resort http://www.serenityphuket.com/ Thanks lou86, I did try for availability at serenity before I booked the Movenpick but they couldn't give us an apartment :(
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 13:22
Thanks Solo. You are right, we won't be in the room all that often but I am pregnant so might have to escape for an afternoon nap every day hehehehe. We are going for 10 days so I guess it's not that long but our one holiday a year needs to be just right. Hey are trying to get us to upgrade to a 2 bedroom suite but we can not afford another £3000 on top of what we have already paid for the standard room. Apparently we have to pay for an extra bed for the second child, which is a swizz because the booking agent didn't mention this. Anyway, we'll see. I've upgraded to a garden villa which is probably not much bigger than the garden room but a little nicer and in a better position. We've been spoilt in the past and now we are on a smaller budget it's just a bit harder to find what we want :) Thanks for replying anyway :)
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 11:04
For the 1st trimester Dr. put me on folic acid (which i had been taking for 6 months before i conceived anyway) and Duphaston (still don't know what they were for honestly and i stopped taking them after a couple of weeks. 2nd trimester Dr. put me on Promise vitamins in morning, ferose chewable iron in afternoon and caltrate (calcium) in the evening. 3rd trimester (new doctor) now i'm on Pregnacare, feroglobin and caltrate. Hi Mrs Abdala The duphaston is extra progesterone which some drs believe prevent miscarriage..my dr put me on it and told me that it is not proven to prevent but even if it doesn't work it doesn't harm so why not take them until 12 weeks (I had a miscarriage before my two kids were born) so I just did as I was told :) From 12 weeks dr took me off the folic acid and duphaston and put me on Elevit in the morning and Calcivit in the evening. Been on these since and Dr happy with everything so far.
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Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 10:48
Bump :)
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:59
At this stage you do get a better picture vaginally so don't hope too much for a tummy scan. The internal scan isn't painful or uncomfortable or anything so don't worry. This is my first pregnancy outside of England and already I have had 4 scans and I am only 15 weeks :) It's lovely seeing the baby so many times! In England I was lucky to get 2 scans!!
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:55
Hi Johjoh When I went to see the my gynec at the clinic in Bur Dubai she did the scan and she had a doubt. So she sent me to Aster for an Ultrasound and got confirmed. But anyways, I am waiting for the next scan which may be there at the start of next month to confirm everything is fine. I want to register at Latifa. Do you know till when they will take admissions? And how are you feeling? Hi. If I were you I would go now. Unless you speak Arabic I would also suggest you go in person. If they actually answer the phone at Latifa it is very hard getting answers. You can also go to your local Government clinic and they will help you. I had my booking in appointment at Nad Al Sheba today and it was great. They don't do things until a lot later here though. My bloods etc will be done at 19 weeks and my 20 wk scan will be done at 24 wks! I am feeling fine now, just a little tired. How about you? Have you got your head around twins yet? ;)
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Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 19:54
I got ours at Le Marche (Ranches) last year and they are there every year :)
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Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 19:42
Hi Everyone... Happy to meet you all here. I am now 11 weeks pregnant and is supposed to be twins!!! Planning to get admission in Latifa. Noted that Johjoh has already got an admission there. Anybody else in the group with a twin situation? Hi aish Congrats on twins! Who told you this? Where have you had a scan? I have my 'booking in' appointment at Nad al Sheba Clinic tomorrow where I will be paying the 5000aed for the antenatal package with them and Latifa. They wouldn't see me for this until I was 15 weeks...which I am now. Let's see how it goes :)
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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 10:06
If you don't want to take it to the service centre you can get them at the petrol station on the itherside of the road from AR or any of the stations that have tyre changes etc. edited by starsouthern on 16/03/2013 That's where DH got mine last weekend ;)
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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 10:03
This is one of the first 'Sandances' I didn't go to last night - although I don't want to call it Sandance as Atlantis seems to be pushing the Sandance guys out and going things themselves. The guys that do Sandance are fantastic and have been doing this for a while now and have everything under control..this sounds to me like Atlantis are doing things for themselves and doing them wrong!! Although I am not 100% sure. Disappointing night for a lot of people I am 100% sure :( However, everyone knows what a d==k NG is! Richard Ashcroft was amazing in October 2011 and I would have loved to have seen him again...glad he didn't disappoint. But don't hold it against Sandance...Atlantis are the money grabbing villans FOR SURE!! <em>edited by johjoh on 16/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 17:37
Hello everyone! I am 15 weeks with my 3rd baby. My eldest is 9 and my youngest will be 7 when baby appears...I though my nappy days were over! This was such a shock to me! We have no maternity insurance and I was too late to buy Daman's insurance so I am with Latifa Hospital so far. I have seen Dr Ibrahim at City, who i loved but I didn't like how busy and business like it is there, also the guy I saw for an ultrasound was very unprofessional and upset me with his flippant words and manner at what was a sensitive time. Latifa is always quiet, scrumptiously clean and I feel comfortable there....we'll see anyway. I work and I have been stuggling with tiredness. The sickness stopped at around 12 weeks, thank Goodness!!! I have also ballooned! I have been in maternity clothes for a few weeks now and I already look about 30 weeks! My DH and kids are so happy about this surprise baby...I am too but I am also worried. I had a little independence back and a job I love. We aren't well off but we don't struggle too much for money. Although I know this baby is a blessing and I am a big believer in fate I am also having private little freak outs and crying sessions! I want this baby so much but I am scared too. Then I think how lucky I am already having 2 healthy happy kids...what if I am not lucky this time? What if all this negative thinking is effecting baba?! Oh I guess it is my hormones all over the place. I can't believe I am actually admitting this! lol Everyone is so excited and I am just worrying about everything!
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Latest post on 01 March 2013 - 11:36
I am only 12 weeks pregnant but need new bras asap...in my previous pregnancies (a zillion years ago!) I was in England and ofcourse M&S have a fantastic bra fitting and advice service that you can trust...is there anywhere like that here? I don't want to pay the earth for bras that aren't going to fit me for long!
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Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 06:56
Ahhh sounds perfect Vixen1....glad you had a lovely day! Thanks for that!
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Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 06:48
Thanks Daza. Congrats to you too. Do you have insurance? I don't and I am in a real quandary!
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Latest post on 16 February 2013 - 17:11
Thanks Daza. Feel a little more relaxed than I did this morning. This baby no.3 but was a heck of a shock..others are 6 and 9 and I had them in the UK...thought my nappy days were long gone!