marmarina | ExpatWoman.com
 

marmarina

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 16:35
Not sure about locations as I am new here myself but one thing that shocked me was school enrolments for KG1. I called like 10 school before I found a spot. My advice would be to figure out which schools you would like your DS to go to and start applying and contacting the schools from now. Some schools have online application forms that you can fill. The reason I say this is because it seems that some schools have very long waiting lists, up to 2 years or so. So, ideally you need a back up plan. Once there is an available spot, then they will contact you for an interview/assessment, etc so technically by applying you are not commiting until there is a free spot and you accept to go on for an assessment as I believe that there is an assessment fee that you have to pay. I am sure some of the more experienced mothers who have been here for longer probably have a lot more info than me. HTH. :)
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 14:35
Edna, you make a fair point, I completely forgot that you can partition Macs and run Windows on them. This defintely makes Macs more appealing to me as I do a lot of photography related stuff but also love my games. :)
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 10:39
Very interesting.... I do just get it straightened back home. Recently heard about Moroccon Oil for curly hair though and it's meant to condition it and sort of take the frizz out. Might get a cut, give it a go with that and if it still drives me nuts, will go and get it straigthened. I just want something that is low maintenance as I am forever chasing after my 2 kids!! lol <em>edited by marmarina on 22/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 10:35
Viber does not work in the UAE, it's blocked! :( Howver you can install Skype on your iPhone if you have one and provided that you are connected to a wireless network you can use it just as you do on the computer. You can use Whatapp as well - it'not voice based, just message/text based but it's free, all you have to do is be connected to a wireless network. HTH
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 10:22
Rounding up a couple of months now and still not settled but I think it will come with time. :) Had a really tough start as well because the second day we arrived, DD got chickenpox and DS got sick...so what a welcome!! lol Anyway, starting to feel a bit better, I guess we just have to find a rhythm and get into little routines. I know I was very negative when I first came and also felt not "glam"enough etc... However, I think that trying to change to positive thinking and giving everything a go will defintely help with settling in. Don't worry about those people that can't be bothered including you, etc (personally I think it's rude) but you know what... you probably wouldn't want to be friends with them anyway and you will meet people the longer you stay, you just have to dust yourself off and keep putting yourself out there. That's what I am planning to do anyway. ;) Hope that helps.
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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 10:00
I must say I do love my iPad & iPhone. Wanting to get an Mac Book as Macs are better than PC for design/phoo editing but too attached to all my Windows bits and bobs... So I don't think it's a cult per se, although I can only speak for myself. I just use what works for me at a given time. :) Plus when it comes to computer gaming, I do believe PCs are superior. IT geek out. :)
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Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 13:35
Hmmm... maybe it's not piped... I have no idea to be honest. This whole gas oven thing is new to me. Hannah33 - I called the service centre and I think they will send someone to check it out. Sounds like what happens when I turn my oven on, just cuts out after 20 mins, so frustrating! Chocs01 - I checked and yes the whole rack is lighting. I even hold the knob in for a few seconds to make sure it lights properly. From what I understand and this was what I was told by LG, the pilot light comes on, then the oven heats to the desired level. It then turns off and of the oven starts to drop below set temperature, it goes back on. Apparently electric ovens work on the same principle but you just don't see them turn on and off.... SIGH. :( Will wait and see when this service person comes out and what the verdict is. Poor hubby gets no cake for his bday this year. :)
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Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 13:30
Hey Maracas, It's really curly. I don't think I would do Keratin, heard so many conflicting things about that. Was interetsed in the Japanese method - Yuko I think? I think I might just get it cut at this stage and just buy some good products. Just need to find out who stocks Redken here. Now to toss up between the Chi Spa in Motor City or Sisters in the Dubai Mall.... Decisions Decisions!! :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:34
lol I love this thread as I came here about a month ago and was absloutely terrifed of driving. Hubby didn't understand why and couldn't sympathise. Now I feel that I am totally normal. :) Have to do the school run so got pushed into it which is good in a way as I am not so scared now... only scared of getting lost! lol Anywho, Well done to you!! Good Job! :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:30
Would love to. Don't know if it makes a difference, but I am not originally from there however, moved there when I was 14 and made it my home. :) Hubby is from there though. ;) Motor City is really close to me. Flick me an email if you're still keen - [email protected] :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:27
Perfectly normal but remember that he left her for a reason. He chose you, had 2 kids with you and not her. As for him looking, unfortunately all men look, they can't help it alebit some are sneakier about it than others. I have 3 brothers, a couple of whom are happily married and they still look. My husband is craftier about it but I am sure he still looks. Doesn't mean anything. Remember, he loves YOU!! :) *Hugs*
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 19:22
For those of you who had used Bare Minerals skincare, how would you compare it to Dermalogica? Better? I know I digress but just interested as so many of you seem to love Bare Minerals. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 16:55
Hehe... now to plan my new iPhone purchase... Mwahahahah... ;)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 16:35
Hey, I have a different surname on my passport than my kids do and I haven't had any problems travelling. :) In Dubai, I think they expect it to be different anyway as most arab women keep their surnames so the kids usually have a different surname... so in a way, they never question it. Hope that helps. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 16:22
Thanks ladies for all the info. :) So undecided now.. To cut it short and just buy some good products or to straighten... Hmmm... will have to have a good think about that one. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 16:14
That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing Sumi. If there was a like button on the forum, I would so like your post. ;)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 16:05
lol It's your name mate. :) Just moved here from NZ, missing it terribly. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 16:00
Yes, I haven't used it personally but have heard good reviews. :) Kakariri, so tempted to ask, are you from NZ? Sorry if I am being too personal. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 15:56
I use Bobbi Brown and I find it fantastic. Heard from a MAC makeup artist back home that MAC foundations are quite heavy for the face - good for special occasions but not day to day use as you can break out easily. After reading all the posts though, I wouldn't mind trying Bare Minerals either. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 15:54
Jupiter, there's also Skydrive, they have it even for mobile phones now as I just found out. Here's the link: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-photo-gallery-share-in-more-ways Let us know how you get on. :) I agree with avoiding FB, it's terribly insecure and anyone can gain access to your photos regardless if whether you have restricted access or not. :)
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 15:46
I think there's also a windows based one kinda attached to windows live. Might be what Kakariki is referring to?
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 15:45
Well, you can use Facebook but it's not terribly secure. There's google plus but it seems like you want to avoid google. There's flickr and Tumblr I think.
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 12:54
How do they administer discipline in other classes? Is there a school policy in place?
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 12:48
I think mine is piped. Checked and the timer is not on. So, I wouldn't be doing anything differently to what I was doing. So, the pilot light is meant to go off once the correct temperature is reached and then on again if the temperature falls below what it was set to? Correct? Mine just goes off after 20 mins or so and doesn't come back on. :(
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Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 10:45
Hmmm... Thanks Ladies. I can only set the temperature or set it to grill using one knob. I didn't turn the timer on but will check in case for some reason I knocked it and it turned on accidently. Will let you know the verdict. I miss my Electric oven. :(
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 21:00
Thank you. :)
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 20:55
Do you have their number? Can't find them on Google. :)
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 20:48
Yes, I did hear that Yuko was better than Keratin. Do they charge less if your hair is short or is it a standard price? Also, silly question but are they just hair focused or are they an all round salon? Never been there before you see. :) <em>edited by marmarina on 15/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 20:37
Do HMCS still do it? How long does it last for? And how much does it usually cost you? Where in Mirdiff are they? Sorry about the 101 questions, just really keen to get myself sorted. :)
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 20:20
Chocs01 - Where do you get that done?
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 20:10
Hey dogcatcher, it's really interesting that you say that as I know my hair has thinned a bit but with two little kids, I would rather not have to do a lot to it as I don't have time. :( I thought Japanese was meant to be nourishing for the hair, is that not right? I usually get it done by a Korean lady back home but I am not sure if it's all the same procedure or not. As it is, I am super tempted to chop my hair as it has been a nightmare since I arrived here thanks to the water and stress and breastfeeding.... Need I go on? :) In your opinion do you think it's just better to keep the curls and nourish it? My GHDs decided to die as soon as I arrived in Dubai! :S Not even sure if I can purchase GHDs here so can't straighten it whenever I want anymore. :( Ranting a bit... :)
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 16:54
Hi Ladies, Just wondering if anyone had that done here and results/recommendations? Heard that Reflections on Al Wasl do it but I could be mistaken. Are they any good? Also wondering if the Chi Nail Spa in motor city does it... never been there but read somewhere on this site that it has good recommendations in general. New to hairdressers/beauty salons here so not sure where to go/what to expect. Was going to go to Tips & Toes in AR for general maintenance but happy to trek somewhere further for better results. Mainly concerned about the straighthening as I have no idea where to go for that here and how much it would cost, etc.. Any help/advice would be much appreciated. :)
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 10:50
Yeah, it's kinda dum how they arbitrary decide to show you posts from a random select group of people when you didn't specify that. I think in a bid to try and be smart, they have managed to become annoying. Personally, I would like to choose what I see and what I don't, I want to decide that NOT FB!
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 09:04
Awww... abaa, is this the first time you are away from her for a determined length of time? Did she go to preschool before or something similar? I remember when my LO started going to Preschool, I was a mess and it took a bit of getting used to. Now, that she has started school though, I am a lot more comfortable leaving her on her own and so is she. Although she does play the clingy card sometimes, but that might have something to do with starting 'real' school in a different country. :) Hope all works out and you feel better. :)
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 09:04
No worries mate. :)
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 08:58
It's a social networking site, kinda like FB but better control over your privacy and much simpler. Still in it's infancy but still pretty good usability. Its all about creating circles and only sharing what you want with who you want.They never sprung an update on me or changed the layout of it suddenly. Have a look at this link: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/40785/what-is-google-android-iphone-apps It explains it a lot better than I can. :) You can always try it and see if it works for you. :)
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 08:44
I bought one off souq.com :)
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Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 20:35
That totally sux! I am trying to convert all my friends to Google+. I find it much better. Only thing though is that it can be a bit boring if there aren't that many ppl using it like any social networking media. Great in terms of privacy and security though and easy to use. :)
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Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 20:22
No, it's a front loader. Wish I knew about the water before hand. Ruined hubby's favourite shirt. :( Ah well....
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Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 20:20
Hmm... Fair enough. I guess I have to get into the habit of sorting. Was hoping there was a way to get around it. :) Terrified of washing my littlie's school uniform now in case I ruin it! :)
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Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 19:48
It won't work unless the water heater is on.... am I doing something wrong? I never seperated my colors back home as I used cold water but now I have ruined a towel and a couple of shirts because some colors seem to bleed in the wash. =( Help!!
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Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 20:44
Thanks Livinia, I guess I will just have to try whatever works on said night to get him to settle. Seems like it's a phase that babies go through at some point or another during their first year. I am still blaming teething for this one!! :) I am resigned to the fact that I won't be sleeping through the night anytime soon. I just wanted him to wake less for feeds but he likes to keep me on my toes that one. Thanks for all the advice ladies. Feels good just to get it out in the open and hear other people's experiences. :)
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Latest post on 09 September 2011 - 21:12
RDW - Was she on formula or BF? He sleeps fine if I take him in my bed but I don't as I am too scared to fall into deep sleep and squish him. He loves it though as when he wakes up he gets to play with my face! lol I am trying to space his feeds out during the day to 3 to 3.5 hourly. Will see if that helps. Thanks for the advice. :)
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Latest post on 09 September 2011 - 21:08
beigey - Initially, as soon as he was up, I would be there and he would be placed on the boob straight away. This was mainly because DD slept in the same room as we were in the middle of moving and did not want her to wake up in the middle of the night. However now, I do leave him to it if he is just grizzling... not if he is screaming his lungs out. I timed him today and it took him about 25 mins. Had to train my DD to go to sleep when she was a baby and the screaming used to get to me... but now, as long as I know he's safe, fed and not sick, I try and leave him to it (during the day), I would stay in the same room though to make sure he's ok. At night, if he wakes up, I will try and feed him or give him the dummy. Last night he woke up 3 times, took the dummy once and fed the other two. kiwispiers - It is a relatively new thing. I think he was ok up until recently when he turned 5 months and then he seemed to get unsettled. I don't mind if it is just for a short stint as long as it resolves. :) To be honest I don't think he wakes up because he is hungry. I mean once through the night I would defintely feed him because I can tell he's hungry but when he wakes up more than that, I often feel it's for comfort as he only feeds for a min or so. I am not too fussed on him sleeping through the night at this stage just on reducing his wakings throught the night as he went from a couple of times to 3+ and I had no idea why. Comforting to know that it can be just a phase though as it was with yours. I guess I just have to wait and see. :) He's such a calm boy usually. He only did the waking up after a half hour thing once today for one of his naps... that's when I let him grizzle for 25 mins and then he went back down for 40 mins and then woke up much happier. Not sure if his sleep patterns are changing or what. Wish they had a plunket help line here like back home. Having said that, bless this forum as I am getting lots of good advice and it's comforting to know I am not alone. :) <em>edited by marmarina on 09/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 September 2011 - 06:45
Thanks HAK. :) He only woke up 3 times last night (for us that's good! lol) - 2 of which I fed him and once he was happy to just have the dummy. No screaming like before. :) He's up at 06:00 a.m. today but seems really happy. I am still a bit zonked but will try and trade sleeps with DH. He sleeps in now and maybe I can climb back into bed a bit later. I will watch out for the screaming and give him paracetamol if necessary. I think maybe he is teething and that might be why sometimes he wakes up screaming during the day. Either that or I have totally missed his hunger cues. Anyway, now that I have a plan for the day/night time, I will try and stick to it and see if the screaming subsides. If not, I will take him to the GP, doesn't hurt to get him checked out. :)
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Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 21:25
Pancake - I think we are in very similar situations. I am so different with him him than I was with DD. Mind you, he's way more laid back than DD ever was. Having said that, she's a little angel (bless her) :) It's just being really difficult, adjusting to a new country with two littlies. DD starts school on Sunday so will give me more time with him to try and get him sorted I guess. Just have to wait for things to settle down eventually while trying to give him a bit more stability through implementing a more structured daytime routine. Maybe if I get his days sorted, the nights will sort themselves out? Here's hoping. :) emmaH - Awww... bless. Poor little one got herself stuck. I can totally see my boy doing that. :) Thanks for posting your routine, that was really helpful. I think I do need to give him more solids, maybe just add things that I know he's already tasted and not allergic too while introducing new things such as oatmeal cereal in the morning. I also know he loves his peas. :) I guess, they would get really thirsty, especially we just came over here from a very harsh winter to a very hot summer!! I did try and offer him cooled boiled water today but he just takes the bottle in his mouth and plays with it as if he's not sure how to use it. Having said that he did take formuls using the bottle a couple of days ago so not sure what is going on there. Maybe he thinks it's a game, he has a bit of a sense of humor god bless him. lol
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Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 20:33
Thank you. :)
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Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 20:28
HelloAgainKitty - he does seem to be dribbling and pulling at his ears, I ruled out ear infections as I just got him checked last week and he seems very happy and content when he is up. I have an amber teething ring around his chest as it is meant to have anti-inflammatory properties which are meant to help with teething but not totally eliminate the pain. It could actually be that. At this stage, I am just giving him what he wants at night, I just don't want to fall into the feeding to sleep trap. I am trying to structure his day a bit but at night, I just assume if he's up, he wants to feed and then straight back to bed. I guess if he gets really grizzly, I could try Calpol. Just a silly question, is Calpol paracetamol for babies? I am guessing it is. We don't have Calpol back home but might be called something different.
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Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 20:22
Pancake, glad to hear I am not the only one. It helps a little. :) I too find myself getting cross with my 4 year old just because I am exhausted. I feel so bad. :( It's not so much the sleeping through the night, it's just the not waking up eight times a night ...:( shjbelle, To be honest, we are only just starting to get him in a routine as the last few months have been crazy due to us uprooting and moving out here, had to stay at my brother's house for 6 weeks, so whenever bubs woke up at night, I would feed him back to sleep. :( Completely different from what I did with my daughter, she was in a strict routine from 2 months onwards. As far as his bedtime, I just feed him, change him and then put him to bed. Not swaddling him anymore because as soon as he hit 3 months, it became redundant as he would wriggle his way out in 2 mins. He's exclusively breastfed. I did try to give him formula, but after much coaxing he only took 60 mls and fell asleep. Seems like he doesn't know what to do with the bottle. I do give him a dummy but I find at night I am constantly getting up to give it to him and sometimes he will settle but other times he won't. Last night for instance, I must have gotten up hourly to give him the dummy or walk him around the room, etc before he would go back down. I started structuring him a bit today hoping it might help in the long run but not sure why he sometimes wakes up after 30 mins and cries... He's just started solids so not enough to fill him up I guess, just at the tasting phase. So far, this is what we did today: 06:30 a.m. - Woke up + small feed. 08:30 a.m - Top up feed + Sleep 09:10 a.m. - Grizzle (left to cry, back to sleep) 10.10 a.m. - Woke up + Milk Feed 11:50 p.m. - Some peas + a sip of water. 13:00 p.m. - Sleep 14:00 p.m. - Woke up after a grizzle at 13:40 p.m. + Milk Feed. 16:00 p.m. - Sleep 16:30 p.m. - 16:35 p.m. - Cry & Grizzle (Screams for 5 mins) 16:35 p.m. - 17:15 p.m. - Sleep 17:15 p.m. - Woke up screaming. Milk Feed. 19:30 p.m. - Bed
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Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 20:04
Hi, shjbelle, yes, he's 5 months. :)