loube49445 | ExpatWoman.com
 

loube49445

loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 22:31
Whatever!!! It's more like when the kids or Dh remembers to wish us.. . edited by Annedxb on 18/03/2012 never a truer word spoken
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 22:31
Goodnight y'all
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 22:22
Some say 18th March and Some say 21st March.. confused !!! TIA EXACTLY!:)
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 15:14
Sort of the same subject but a little different- We were at a restaurant the other night (a golf course restaurant in the community) and it was late, about 900, 930ish. There was one table with the adults, and the other table had all their children, youngest was maybe 6, oldest maybe 12, and about 6 of them. Nice that they got to eat at their own table, and they're old enough to do so- I'm fine with that. BUT, they were finished eating, the parents were drinking away on a few bottles of funny juice, the kids were either playing ipads or on their phones, and two of them were asleep. Uncomfortable asleep I might add, all crocked up with one arm on the table, poor thing. It was CLEARLY time to wrap up the party and take the poor little dudes home. I'm all for adults getting in some adult time, but shouldn't the children be considered at some point? When one dad noticed his son so sound asleep he finally decided it's time to go, about 10:00 now, and boy, was mom none too impressed to be leaving as the next bottle was due to be open. Sounds like our family on holiday!!! he, he - we would get to the restaurant about 7pm, and by 8pm the children would be asleep! Of course we made them comfortable with extra chairs, but no way was I leaving the restaurant without eating or having a good bottle of vino with my husband.....it was hard work carrying them back to the room tho'
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:55
thank you, thank you yes, pricey but great!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:54
what about that spa a la maison, they are on the comps page....
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:27
are you back in UK? And is it costing less to live there? Income and taxation aside I am convince it costs less, DH is convinced it costs more. Of course it depends on your abode, and your choice of car...but overall?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:11
I read that the max for a new visa is 58, but that renewals can occur beyond that with the same sponsor, so I guess it depends how long you intend to be here
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 11:10
you will not have any of the 'younger maid' issues such as pregnancy, running off for better pay etc etc, but she may work at a slower pace, and you may need to guard against medical (get some maid insurance for her) over and above the standard medical card, do you have children? I do have a nine year old boy who is independent and doesn't need the extra attention of a maid. She is purely for keeping home and meals. I prefer older maids as they tend to stay longer too.. My first maid was 54 when she left us having worked with us for 3 years. The current maid has been with us for 5 years and is 47. Never had an issue with either. edited by Annedxb on 18/03/2012 I would choose an older maid too, because they can add a different dimension to your household esp. when you have children
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 10:10
you will not have any of the 'younger maid' issues such as pregnancy, running off for better pay etc etc, but she may work at a slower pace, and you may need to guard against medical (get some maid insurance for her) over and above the standard medical card, do you have children?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 09:39
I hired a maid 2 days ago who starts tomorrow, through Explorer agency. They had quite a few available for immediate jobs. The one I hired had quite a bit of nanny experience too. I talked to Megan there, and her phone number is 04-358-7622. Good luck! are they cheaper than Howdra?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 09:35
Italy, but if you go in August book early as it gets very busy, Italians take vacation for most of August. Never want to go to HK
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 09:21
gotta be cheaper to order via M&S UK website then, and get them to ship.....with the VAT knocked off. You can cross check your prices against the stores here, so I may just do that in future
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2012 - 09:19
and the rate for a BMW 7 to take you anywhere in Dubai, would be? I am guessing expensive due to the fact their website makes no mention of price
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 22:13
thought as much, would be good to hear how you get on with their response, I would like to buy a few things from Debenhams too in the sale etc
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 22:10
Not successful, but I tried same as you! I just use House of Fraser
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 22:06
thx for all the positive comments, reason for my research is DS1 loves Mint Choc Chip and I just want to give the best one possible. I will try the Bloomingdales!! And as for April Flower - let's hope you have a nice day too! You are the one without the life, for reading my post, haha!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 18:53
Just curious to know what others believe is the best on the market?? I have tried Iceland, Dreyers, and Bulla and so far Bulla gets my vote :)
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 11:22
I would say that there are over 20 British Curriculum schools here, so my experience could be from the minority - but to name the schools would probably get the thread deleted
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2012 - 09:52
I find this whole method of money making by schools here in Dubai quite shameful. You pay the 500 for the admin, then a fee for the assessment, and then some schools want fees in advance and post dated cheques for the whole next academic year....ridiculous, but I did point out that their PDC was pointless, as you can cancel a cheque anytime with your bank. We applied to 3 British Curriculum schools here across 3 year groups, not having visited the schools first, as we were in another country, but we took them for assessments on our look-see. All schools wanted the 500 dhs fee, then they wanted 1000 dhs for the assessment. School 1 took both fees, my kids passed but we declined the place as we did not like the school on our visit. Conduct of the children nor the teachers reaction to them. School 2 (my preferred choice) took the 500 dhs, but refused to charge the assessment fee until they can assess the child, which they only do once there is a place available (very sensible system IMHO) no places came up until after Term 1 began and I have declined for now but they are all still on the wait list as they can sit there for 2 years. School 3 - places available for all 3 kids, paid 500 dhs, paid 1000 dhs for the assessment, and that is where they are now...but goodness I wish they would complete the remaining buildings that are not finished..my DH says if he gets one more atrium closure note he will go crazy!!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 09:35
it is a key fob, which generates a pin code so you can logon securely to your accounts, UK have them, Singapore have them and now the O******re, and maybe UAE will be next.
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 09:32
I live in Dubai, and the UK Inland Revenue keep sending my mail to Saudi Arabia, even though my address with them clearly states Dubai, UAE!!! <em>edited by loube on 15/03/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 09:30
I am over run with these things.....just had DHL deliver 2 more (one for each of us) for our 'expat' account....I now have 8 in total, having lived in 3 countries - a nightmare, I do hope HSBC UAE do not introduce them, praying fervently to the sky...
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2012 - 08:56
yeah, this is the toughie no.1, no TV on before school...then it moves on to no computer on school nights, unless for homework, and no iPad until you are in the car on the way to school, etc, etc a ton of other 'NO's...your DH will protest about the TV but you have to be FIRM!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 20:34
Hummingbird Bakery cookery book have a recipe for red velvet cupcakes, not tried it yet but they look delicious, and I think Nigella has a recipe, which maybe on her website Gosh, I have that book! need to start reading it....how embarrasing :)
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 20:20
quite feasible that food and drink was offered and said maid declined, my previous maid would do that....not feeling comfortable to eat at same table as employers family, in the end we told her not to be so silly
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 13:29
Hummingbird Bakery cookery book have a recipe for red velvet cupcakes, not tried it yet but they look delicious, and I think Nigella has a recipe, which maybe on her website
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 09:05
I was out there recently and some of the shops are partially empty - they have the space filled up by the same green tee shirt! The reason i went was that someone mentioned a White Company outlet there - well, ditto - a practically empty shop! I did get something in Kenneth Cole and Villeroy and Boch. It's a very depressing place though...much of it is just rubbish and sometimes overpriced at that. The white company shop is closing down, once the remaining stuff is sold the shop will close, sales assistant said two weeks ago
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 09:04
There are some bargains if you can be bothered to look, but I am not convinced that the sports shoes are much of a discount in truth, but still I will head back for some bargain hunting
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 09:00
Gold leaf isn't it? People put it on cakes and eat it, so I would think on the face would be ok, it is available in Thailand and Singapore, not sure why a metal would be good for the skin tho
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 08:56
Hi I have 3 , first two are 24 months apart and the third is 22 months apart, ii was running around like a headless chicken, child 1 was hard work, child 2 was a dream baby and child. 3 was pretty good too, so i can honestly say my heart goes out o all of you, it is tough but you will survive and I have come out the other side of it , now 12,10,8 and they are wonderful......pre teens is kicking in with the eldest but hey I know how they feel most days as I remember those years more clearly myself than the U10s.....My hubs always said the ideal gap was 3 years In hindsight and why the heck did we not do that, but I wanted the poop years out of the way ASAP so glad I only changed nappies for 7 years it could have been longer.....eewww! <em>edited by loube on 14/03/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 14:00
turned on TV, no sound......then e-life upgrade, and the menu's have all changed and the movies are rubbish today...oh my, well I will have to do some housework then..
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 13:20
just cooked up chicken drumsticks for lunch in the Actifry and now I am going to check out a good movie on the TV or the Apply TV, and put my feet up 'til the kids come home......
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 12:54
isn't it the only place now since Magrudy at FC closed down? I thought the wool selection in Craft land was not broad enough in range/colours and the button choice was terrible too, but if you like sewing well that is your dream store....
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 12:15
I have a 9 month old ds and he wakes up quite a few times a night. We have started doing a dream feed at around 10.30/11 before we go to bed and for the last few days it has worked well, he has slept until 5.30 ish, normally wakes up and is sitting up, we lie him down again and he sleeps until 7ish. (We used to just feed him when he woke up around 12ish but this seems to work better as we are also getting a full nights sleep). Shjbelle, I have also seen Cecile and she said continue until 1 as boys need this until then. When you say your dd dropped the dream feed do you mean she refused the milk or you just stopped giving it to her and she didn't wake up? I am wondering how we go about stopping it at 1, he drinks the full 240ml at 10.30pm and eats 3 meals a day and 3 other bottles - he is a big guy :) sounds just like my guys....you need to keep at the bottles, then introduce a mid afternoon snack, and push the evening solid meal to a little later - say 6pm, giving the snack about 3.30 - 4pm sorry just realised it wasn't you who had query :\: so hope you do not think I am interfering...:) <em>edited by loube on 13/03/2012</em>
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 12:13
if you consider that each feed (full bottle for the kids age.weight) is a meal, then when you are weaning you are only replacing 3 out of 7 meals. Whilst moving over to solids I always gave mine the morning feed, the after lunch feed and the 'dream feed' as others call it....this is the late night feed. As your child eats bigger and bigger solid meals, and the consistency gets more lumpy you may be able to drop one of the feeds, it is tough as they love their first drink of the day, and the drink before the afternoon nap and the bedtime milk - my boys are 12, 10 and 8 and they still have a 'bedtime milk' !!! not in a bottle I hasten to add, and the 12 year old does not often have milk now, he just takes a juice or water......for the breakfast meal we gave the breakfast and the milk feed after, as soon as the kid was awake but this was around 10 months old, I think! this would get them out of the habit of waking up to milk first thing...it does depend what time they rise though...I do remember my DS1 always an early riser, we were up at 5.30 am for about the first 6 years of his life....sometimes his younger brothers would still be asleep, and we would be sat in the playroom with him!!! Good Luck!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 09:39
What my mom used to do yolks ago was to soak the shirt in bleach for a while and scrub it before putting it in the wash. Usu helps if you have a wet toilet :) why a wet toilet? bit worried about bleach, as some of the shirts are light coloured - blues etc
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 09:30
my 8 month old twins still wake up 2-3 times a night and its killing me LOL what to do??? I assume you are weaning them at this stage? Do they have a late night bottle still? Could be comfort seeking....
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 09:27
I believe it is entry to win a custom built boat of your own..lol, like who would win that? Anyway it maybe fun, if they like boats...we usually drag our 3 boys around these things - ages 12, 10 and 8 and they love climbing all over the boats...but then we love boating. Bit surprised at an entry fee being charged, is that normal in ME? Never charged any entry fee for the boat shows in Singapore.
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 20:51
How to cut down on DEWA bills??!!! I've heard 12-5 is the peak time! has anyone else heard that? water or electric, which element is causing the burden most?
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 20:50
Both of these stories would indicate how serious employers are about their employees not working part time illegally for other people (i.e. doing odd jobs/gardening/etc) for a lady round the corner. I guess by not wearing their uniform and by staying back in the community after hours, they are indicating that they might be working illegally, even if they weren't. Sorry you are mistaken, my gardener works for a registered firm, he gardens with a team who do around 10 houses here, the fine was because the community Union properties changed the rules and did not inform...gosh, I would never hire an illegal!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 20:20
my gardener attracted a 5000 dhs fine for his employer when he did not leave the community until after 5.30pm (he was doing a heavy weeding job and did not know about the newly imposed curfew)!! This was 5 months ago
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 09:02
I need to clarify a typo in my previous post. good fat = NOT butter True, but if you are going to eat any fat, it should be pure...and butter is just that (except with a little salt added) and margarines are not pure - highly processed with all kinds of chemicals in them for longer shelf life etc, etc. Olive oil is my other fat of choice...for the family that is, not me being on Dukan I can have 2tsp olive oil per day.
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 08:59
I dislike exercising....but I know I am going to have to start soon. I am doing Dukan and have lost 20.9kg since Oct 1st 2011...I have 4.6kg to go. The weight is still dropping off, but I did relapse a little last week and I know exercise is going to have to happen very soon....but no carbs (except veggies and oat bran) and no sugar definitely works
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 17:29
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2ZYTeXVYyU Molecular Gastronomy will give you a perfect crunch and a fluffy centre ( im salivating ) that is just how mine look after parboiling!!! Did you notice he took the chicken out of the oven, which had supposedly been cooking for 4 hours with his BARE HANDS!!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 17:19
attach a horn to the w'chair and you can blast them out of the way lol
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 17:17
2 years ago today my MIL passed away from stomach cancer and complications...RIP dear MIL, she was fab!
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 17:05
thought this was going to be a post about eating them! Chinese believe it is lucky to have a birds nest, and nesting birds in the house surrounds, at least many Singaporeans told us that when we had one built by a pair of lovely birds in the small potted bougainvillaea tree on our front door step
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 15:51
I parboil, preheat corn oil for 10 mins at 200 c, then add pots and roast for 45 mins, or until the colour is golden and outside crispy, after half way you need to remove from oven, turn over and baste with the oil...I put 1 inch of oil in the roasting pan..yummy.
loube49445
604
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 12:29
if you don't want to go for the whole package thing, choose a hotel with a really good kids club.... 2 x 6 year olds will need entertaining, we stay at the JW Marriott, but there are other options (not all inclusive tho') The one I suggested (and I have not been as we do not go to these all inclusive places) maybe good as you have kids, and if you are an active family there will be sports and activities for kids and adults..check out the website. It is very cheap to eat in Thailand tho', but taxis on Phuket can increase the cost somewhat
 
 
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