LadyBee | ExpatWoman.com
 

LadyBee

LadyBee
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Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 08:18
May I ask: which area are you based, MrsCanuck? I confess: I LOVE having birds in my garden and yes, I feed them every morning. Every few months, the paths are washed with soda crystals (safer than bleach) which keeps the poop at bay. We also don't have any cat colonies that would frighten them away, only the rare domestic cat that never ventures into our garden (because we have dogs, I suspect). I can understand how frustrating it must be though, but the fact that birds are attracted to your garden could be due to other gardens in your area setting out food (not just because you put out cat food). Birds in this region ARE extremely opportunistic though, so they will look for food wherever they might find it. Some of the ideas below are good, but remember: birds aren't stupid. They may be dissuaded from hanging out in your garden after an initial scarecrow/CD/etc tactic, but it won't keep them at bay for long unless you remove ALL sources of food for them. Don't worry: idiots like me will keep them fed (sorry!). :)
LadyBee
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Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 08:11
Of course, I didn't feel the last one (or the one before that) either, but what I will note is that during the first Iran quake, all our wine bottles slid halfway out of their nests in the rack. Strange! *Races off to check wine bottles* Nope: still all safely back in their slots. :)
LadyBee
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Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 08:09
Missed 'it'. Again. I haven't felt one earthquake YET! And this morning, I was sitting outside - from half-five - watching the day come to life, and I swear, I felt not even the tiniest tremor. Dogs were immune as well.
LadyBee
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 17:48
I felt a bit silly when I read the bit about the normal post office. Well, duh! LOL! :D
LadyBee
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 17:39
Having read Lady Bee's post - she posted it over the counter at the Post Office Brilliant. Good stuff. I suspect the reason one has to do it at an Aramex shop out here is because of the local system/postal service. Makes total sense to just post it at a post office (since the Aramex UK address IS an actual address!). Just make sure you put ALL the details of your shop/ship address including the DXB code onto the package. :)
LadyBee
804
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 17:33
Just have it sent as a GIFT (mark it on the consignment note) or USED GOODS together with a date-of-purchase so customs know that it isn't a new purchase that requires duty paid on it. You don't have to buy something from a shop to use Aramex Shop and Ship. Just make sure that it's packaged really well on the 'postage' end. BTW I sent a second-hand Kindle to a friend in London (his had busted; we had a spare) and it cost nothing bar the courier price. I did have to go to an Aramex shop front to send it from here so your mum might have to do the same (phone and ask) rather than Aramex collecting from her house. Sorry, not sure of the protocol at the other end. Good luck. :)
LadyBee
804
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 17:29
Thanks, ecochic: the trees we're having removed were planted by Emaar YEARS ago, and you'd think they would have known just how badly the root system would stuff things up. I know people in our area whose footpaths are rippled, walls cracked, you name it. Thanks for your advice re potential purchases (and again, thanks to you too, Goose!). I went to DGC this afternoon for a look around at what they had, wrote down lots of names, and we'll give our LL a shortlist. Since he's paying, if he doesn't mind, we'll just get them delivered from there but agree: warsan is a great option too. We'll see what happens over the next day or two. Cheers, guys. :)
LadyBee
804
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Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 13:33
Thank you so much for your advice, Goose. Really appreciate it. We're 'on the clock' because the tree guys are coming soon and we want to get the new ones chosen/delivered and then planted soon afterwards. :)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 15:36
I know. ;)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 15:35
Spinney's Town Centre VERY occasionally stocks Swanson (Campbells) low sodium/no MSG broth, but they're more likely to just stock the 99% fat free stuff (which contains 860mg per 14.5oz can, about a third of the daily required intake). Any time I'm there, I always look to see what they have in stock and buy in bulk! Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
LadyBee
804
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Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 15:23
Here's a good place to start: http://lmgtfy.com/ :)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 15:21
I don't believe in the death penalty. I don't believe that any human has the right to take away another human being's life, regardless of the crime committed. That said, much as I hate to admit it, this woman did know the score, and much as I'd like to see her given a hefty sentence in lieu of the death penalty, she IS in a country which uses this code of punishment. :(
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2013 - 14:12
Look in the mirror. Scream. Splash water on face. Scream again. Use (free giveaway) eye makeup remover to tidy whole face (the face I vowed I'd clean the night before). Ooh. Shiny. Smile at self. Look for that nice oil-free facewash pressured into buying a few months back when was feeling virtuous. Can't find. Remember that I gave it to the maid when I got home because I knew I'd never use it. Rifle through shelf with all manner of magic bottles bought on a whim from airline duty-free, opened while on holiday and not touched since and wonder whether full pots of La Prarie from 2009 go out of date. Slather something that smells nice onto face. Realise it's patently made for a much younger, less dry skin. Wipe off. Try something else. Hope for the best. Apply SPF a-gazillion to neck/face. Hope for the best. Night: Almost happy to see beginnings of spot on chin because skin couldn't breathe all day. I must be YOUNG! Remind self of actual age. Wash face with Dove that DH uses for shaving because super-duper moisturising cleansing bar has legged it. Slather something onto face that smells nice with 'Night' written on the lid. Hope for the best.
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 22:37
Apologies if my info is out-of-date, but we bought cans of this stuff at Boots in MoE in 2010 for a fancy dress party. Good luck. :)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:27
Pleasure. :)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:26
Where to get a physio trained in Mackenzie method? Sounds promising. Up and Running have physios trained in McKenzie Method. I can recommend the technique highly; I had it for a bad neck when I used to play the violin. The physio I saw helped me with my stance and gave me exercises etc: no more problems. :)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:23
Yep, the Royal Moscow Orchestra.
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:22
A 'witness' said: "He had a close shave with a bus and stood out like a sore thumb. A 19 year old in a white Lamborghini is hardly discreet." Where was this alleged 'witness'? London? Whoever it was obviously doesn't know Dubai because a 19-year-old in a Lamborghini is hardly unusual. ;) I remember the story of a prominent persons Son in Dubai who was young and had an accident in a Lambo. It caught on fire and i believe he died I remember that too, from a few years back. :(
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:22
A 'witness' said: "He had a close shave with a bus and stood out like a sore thumb. A 19 year old in a white Lamborghini is hardly discreet." Where was this alleged 'witness'? London? Whoever it was obviously doesn't know Dubai because a 19-year-old in a Lamborghini is hardly unusual. ;) I remember the story of a prominent persons Son in Dubai who was young and had an accident in a Lambo. It caught on fire and i believe he died I remember that too, from a few years back. :(
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:21
Just to add: if you DO get charged for overstaying and have to pay at the airport, it's a very simple process: you just get directed to a little office where you hand over your cash and are given a receipt to take back to the passport control queue. Then you're given the appropriate exit stamp to depart. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 17:14
A 'witness' said: "He had a close shave with a bus and stood out like a sore thumb. A 19 year old in a white Lamborghini is hardly discreet." Where was this alleged 'witness'? London? Whoever it was obviously doesn't know Dubai because a 19-year-old in a Lamborghini is hardly unusual. ;)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:11
why would you want to take your own mug ?? are there really places where you can do that ?? Ohhh I love taking my own mug. The coffee tastes better (when it's not in paper/styrofoam), I can wash it up myself (so I know it's clean) and I'm doing a teensy bit for the environment to boot. :) where do you go that doesn't have proper cups ?? lol or are you talking about take away ?? ohhhhhh sorry - have never had a coffee take away here.... Yes! Takeaway. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 10:10
why would you want to take your own mug ?? are there really places where you can do that ?? Sorry, forgot to answer your second question: yes, in both Sydney and London, the coffee shops I frequented always let me take my own mug. In Sydney, EVERYONE took their own mug to the coffee shop in the lobby/foyer downstairs from where I worked. Saved them money for one thing, and yes, it was a 'green' thing to do. :)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:55
why would you want to take your own mug ?? are there really places where you can do that ?? Ohhh I love taking my own mug. The coffee tastes better (when it's not in paper/styrofoam), I can wash it up myself (so I know it's clean) and I'm doing a teensy bit for the environment to boot. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:54
I am relaxed. I just get unnerved picturing a pret a manger every second corner all across Dubai. Yuck. So yes, maybe I'm not relaxed at that idea. I'd rather a Pret on every corner than &%*$"@ Starbucks/Costas/Second Cup/etc. ;)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 09:52
A National Health Service. GOOD coffee shops where they don't wear uniforms, the coffee doesn't cost a bomb but still tastes amazing, and where you can take your own mug. A decent-sized concert hall for classical music concerts. A jazz festival that does what it says on the tin: PROVIDES ACTUAL JAZZ RATHER THAN SOME SOUPED-UP EXCUSE FOR A MUSIC FESTIVAL THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH JAZZ BUT INSTEAD HAS DEEP PURPLE AS A HEADLINER ACT. I think I've said enough for now. ;)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 14:07
We were there for a week at the end of May last year. Glorious hot sunny days with occasional rain showers in the afternoon/evening. Fantastic. Nothing like enjoying a cocktail or three as the rain dumps down (such a change from Dubai) and knowing it would clear up for more sunshine a short time later. <em>edited by LadyBee on 06/05/2013</em>
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 09:26
I'm with the coin too - adds more magic to the proceedings! I used to get a 50p piece left under my pillow similar to wuffles. You could sprinkle a little trail of glitter on the floor of their room leading to the door/window to make it look like fairy dust? Ohhh memories! My mum used to sprinkle pink bath salts (which smelled delicious and looked sparkly) around the glass where the tooth had been left (and the coin could be found the next morning). It was so fantastic. She also used to put tiny little 'fingerprints' in the sparkly dust so it looked like a fairy had skipped across my bedroom dresser, spreading her fairy dust on the way. I would then sweep it up and use it in bubble baths for later! GREAT memories. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 19:04
Basically, it's a dress shirt - with the pleats or whatever down the front - but with an ordinary business collar. Yes, bow ties, whether tie-your-own or clip-on, work on both. The shirt with the 'pointed-up' collar is called a 'wing collar' shirt. Does your DH have press studs to fit into the shirt buttonholes? If not, do check that the shirt you buy hasn't left those holes free for studs. I think you can buy studs at Harrods (can't prove, but they do in London) but it's probably best to get a shirt which buttons all the way down from the top. Basically, the studs work for the shirt buttons in the same way that cufflinks work for the cuffs. You might want to check the cuffs too if your DH doesn't own any. Debenhams is a great place to try though. Good luck.
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 18:57
*Smacks head* I read milk chocolate, not chocolate milk! LOL! Sorry. :D
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 18:41
It is too early in the week for a TNT *Spontaneously dances polka around kitchen while squealing* It's NEVER too early for a TNT !!! :D **Calls supermarket for Doritos Blue and Chocolate Milk delivery** *Whispers* Which do you start with? Or do you munch them ... At The Same Time?!?!
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 18:11
It is too early in the week for a TNT *Spontaneously dances polka around kitchen while squealing* It's NEVER too early for a TNT !!! :D
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 17:19
I've done the SAHM thing and the working mum thing and the just working and being single thing. All are jobs and bl00dy hard work. Here is a FB status from my maternity leave days: [b'>"My last week as a stay at home mum and housewife. If anyone thinks this is not "work" they best think on. Today I have taken XXX for jabs, made the bed, washed up twice, sterilized 8 bottles, done 6 feeds, changed 5 nappies, bathed baby, made dinner, ironed 48 items of clothing, done 2 loads and hung out the washing. They don't call it house "work" for nothing."[/b'> So Pikachu I don't mean to toot my own horn or make anyone feel inadequate but a lot of the threads on here are very critical of the working mums and that's not entirely fair. Everyone should be proud of their contribution whether that is working a 10hour day in an office or doing the above (which was on one of my particularly productive days - obviously the remainder of the time I was having my nails done and "doing lunch") ahaha! .. Or on EW. ;) Your job sounds fantastic. Great pay. And you get to hang out here all the time.
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 May 2013 - 18:46
:D
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 May 2013 - 18:24
I'm not even sure of that. ;)
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 May 2013 - 17:28
But the emphasis should be on 'decent', Daza. Certainly one would HOPE that a 'decent' chiro/ortho would do the right thing and refer a patient on to an appropriate specialist, but personally, I'd rather put my faith in someone with an actual medical degree than a complementary/alternative health specialist, especially when it came to a tiny child. There's nothing wrong with complementary medicine of course, if it's used properly and respectfully, but there are so many quacks about, one has to be careful. Each to their own though. Glad you got your problems sorted. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 23:09
Here's a thought. How about taking him to an ACTUAL doctor -- preferably a paediatrician -- to get him checked out before you start letting someone treat what might be a symptom or sign that something else might be going on? What if he has a middle ear infection? A small tumour? Or another undiagnosed illness entirely? Without knowing the source of the problem, how can it possibly be treated effectively? You really ought to rule out anything serious anyway, I would have thought. :( Racing your child off to a chiro/ortho, especially at a vulnerable age when he can't tell you what is wrong, is just ... barking. Sorry. Good luck. . <em>edited by LadyBee on 03/05/2013</em>
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 13:57
Yip and I dont look super chubby either ---its a pale nude color...accessorisng with a flower and a pearl rope and I am sorted! yayy! Bless! I love a happy ending. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 13:37
*Applauds enthusiastically* Have a ball. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 12:38
I got terribly excited about Maison Chic when I clicked the link below as the furniture looked great. This palce is round the corner from me and I've never even been in so that's this weekend sorted! You'll love it. They have some really interesting stuff there. I absolutely adore all their 'Colonial' range - could have bought the lot lol! - because even though it's repro', it just looks so good. I have a wine rack (well, it's a wine 'bookcase', really, which holds 60 bottles), several corner tables, sofa consoles, hall tables ... I did go a bit nuts, but it all looks as good as they day it was delivered. Have fun! :) . <em>edited by LadyBee on 02/05/2013</em>
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:30
Just to add - when I flew with them (RB) recently Dubai - London - a lot of people were holding up the check in because they were unpacking and repacking their bags at the desk - presumably a few extra kilos is not allowed. edited by cakemix on 01/05/2013 I'm not aware of any airline that allows you to go over - except possibly Emirates, not that we ever have been...how hard is it to stick to the rules ? lol Very ... when you're bringing back too much stuff LOL! The only airline which has 'hit' me WAS Emirates ex Sydney. I had to send a suitcase as excess baggage because I was just too overweight (sigh). Just to add: I was flying Biz so I already had more than one might assume one needed, but they still got me at check-in. The only time I've had more than enough room was Etihad First. I got 50kg for flying first and an extra 10kg for being an Etihad Gold member. Best mode of transporting luggage ever. :D
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:27
Just to add to give an idea of some of the furniture available from Maison Chic: We bought a set of these chairs and they look absolutely stunning. Really comfortable and very attractive as well. We bought them in 2008 so the price of 350dhs a chair is probably not what you will pay now, but again ... such a great buy. http://www.maisonchicdubai.com/colonial-furniture/armchair-furniture/raffles-armchair-leather-seat.html
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:21
This is another one worth considering. We've bought some lovely pieces from them in the past few years; they deliver/polish/set up/etc and the prices are good for the quality. They don't mind if you haggle either! Depends on the style of furniture you're after, but Sakhifa has listed some good places to start. I think you should start with basics and then, hopefully, fill out your place with stuff you really like. We also had to 'start from scratch' so I know how difficult it can be. Just go for what you like and build from there. Don't expect to fill your home IMMEDIATELY; just get what you absolutely need and - as I said above - build. :) http://www.maisonchicdubai.com/
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 08:16
I'm getting to the end of my clock's battery shelf-life and need a new quartz crystal installed by someone Who Knows Clocks. It would have to be a home visit, obviously. Does anyone know of any watch/clock specialists that might be able to help me out? Thanks in advance. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 07:51
No one actually wears crocs to look good do they? They're just easy. Must admit, I wouldn't be seen in them. Great for kids though.... I bought a pair when I was recovering from a broken leg; fantastic for shuffling around when no other shoes fit (and I still had bandages etc). Ugly but accommodating. :D
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 07:47
You were charged duty?! Wow! I wasn't. *Now worried about the next purchase!!* I didn't know about the "gift" exclusion. Probably should have paid more attention to how my in-laws marked gifts they use to mail over to us in NY to avoid customs duties. Now I know better... Thanks again LadyBee. Invaluable advice :) *Chuckles* I've been receiving goodies like this for years. Works like magic. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 07:43
No worries. :D
LadyBee
804
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 07:42
You were charged duty?! Wow! I wasn't. *Now worried about the next purchase!!*
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 07:19
I've bought from net-a-porter UK, most recently: a handbag in 2012. Very easy, very quick. I asked that the goods description included the word GIFT and was subsequently not charged anything in the way of duties/extra charges. I also used shop and ship for this though. So when my bag arrived, while it HAD been opened at Customs, the handbag box was in an Aramex plastic bag. Not sure if that made any difference to the duty/charges things. Their exchange policy is brilliant, not that I've had to use it. My advice is to always know exactly what you want to buy before you buy it. If you find a flaw etc in the goods, net-a-porter allegedly very good about exchanging. All the details for doing this? On the website. Any other questions, call their customer service number. Enjoy. :)
LadyBee
804
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 20:23
I'd help her find a new situation. Give her a great reference, advertise etc, and let her take it from there. Everyone needs to move on sometime and this sounds like the time she needs to make a fresh start with a new family. If she's as good as she sounds, she won't have any problems finding a good position. You'll get your space back, you won't be wasting your money on someone who you may grow to resent because there's not really a fulltime job at present ... Job done. :)
 
 
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