Mollydxb | ExpatWoman.com
 

Mollydxb

793
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 17:37
Our maid has been suffering on and off with back issues for a while, but it has suddenly really flared up. Poor lady is clearing in a lot of distress and cannot even sleep. I have just taken her to the pharmacy for some advice and medication, but if we see no improvement in a few days I think she should see a doctor. We dont have medical insurance for her (i know this becomes compulsory in June I believe). Any advice on where to take her? I have taken her to our private clinic once before. But she may well need a scan this time, so it could be expensive. I could try the government clinic, but am slightly nervous having read about an awful experience on here. Any suggestions ladies? Also, has anyone else had a maid with back issues before? Ive been suffering from the same recently and know how persistent back problems can be, and also how hard they are to treat (time and lots of rest). Is it really feasible for her to continue working? We were going to release her early in April/may because of this anyway, but given this latest flare up Im really not sure she should be working. She is very hard working and will not rest! We have a major reason however why we need her till April, so I dont know what we will do practically if she needs to leave now, but am very sympathetic. Hi Victoria, The Iranian Hospital in Satwa is fantastic! The processes are a little long winded but overall its a very good hospital. I've just had an operation myself there and more than happy to go back. Try and take her early though as it can get a little hectic during the day. Good Luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 13:56
My Filpino maid doesn't want to do dishes after ironing or even cooking anything. Saying that it can make her hands "shaky". How on earth it is possible to give her half an hour to relax every time she does cooking or do ironing before laundry or dish washing. I am not aware of any such illness neither believe in it. I do cooking and dish washing side by side... OrWashing hands right after ironing cloths. She is so persistent about it that I had to come here and ask if it's true? Hi Smartee, I'd never heard of this but just asked 2 of my filipino colleagues and the say it's very common for their nationality to believe in this. They themselves do but not to any extremes. I've not had chance to read the other posts so excuse me if i'm repeating but maybe suggest she works out a schedule? I'm sure she gets breaks during the day so maybe suggest she does the ironing before a lunch break is due etc... I'm sure she'd appreciate your understanding
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2015 - 12:17
That's not a huge amount of positions for a school that goes up to year 10. Always going to get a few teachers moving on, maybe opening a few more classes due to demand, maybe teacher going on maternity and need another to cover etc...I think I'm right in saying Nord Anglia is pretty much full now so maybe they need a few more staff to strengthen the squad.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2015 - 12:33
Use the link below http://www.polodubai.com/how-to-get-an-oec.html They need to make an appointment to get their go ahead to leave. I think they give them a receipt that will ensure no problems re-entering. My maid queues up at the building from 5am to get sorted straight away (even after making an appointment) as otherwise they can be there all day as the appointment system doesn't seem to work.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2015 - 14:52
Afternoon ladies, Does anyone know where I can get a chefs hat and apron from and then also to get them personalised. Maybe just put a name on the apron or something? How about these? Then take to the shop in the jumeirah centre to personalise? http://www.chefuniformstore.com/
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 18:14
What year does Foremarke go up to? Year 5 at present but Year 6 next year
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 13:11
My DD is in year one and doing very well, she's also very happy which is key. She loves her enrichment activities and sports too. If you want to ask any questions please pop your e-mail address on. Foremarke is owned by the same group as Repton but they are different schools. My husband has taught in both so I'd like to think I know a little bit about the schools. Please make sure you go and visit lots of schools. Nord Anglia has a great reputation already but you might struggle to get a place. There are lots of good schools now in Dubai, get out there and view a many as possible. You'll get a good feeling when you find the right one for your child. Don't forget to ask lots of questions too and try to view a school when they have an open day because you'll get to talk to other parents and some of the children too. Thank you for your reply! I'm actually seeing repton and foremarke this week so hoping to get a feel for both. I'm waiting to see if I can get my foot into JESS with my husband's work so that fingers crossed is an option . My email address is . please drop me an email so I can ask a few questions, thanks again! OK Great. I've heard lovely things about JESS. Have fun viewing the schools and go with whats right for you and your child. I've just e-mailed you. Feel free to ask away.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 07:04
My DD is in year one and doing very well, she's also very happy which is key. She loves her enrichment activities and sports too. If you want to ask any questions please pop your e-mail address on. Foremarke is owned by the same group as Repton but they are different schools. My husband has taught in both so I'd like to think I know a little bit about the schools. Please make sure you go and visit lots of schools. Nord Anglia has a great reputation already but you might struggle to get a place. There are lots of good schools now in Dubai, get out there and view a many as possible. You'll get a good feeling when you find the right one for your child. Don't forget to ask lots of questions too and try to view a school when they have an open day because you'll get to talk to other parents and some of the children too.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2015 - 22:47
The flags were there tonight, I assume they will be staying until National Day but I really don't know. The salt truck is still there along with lots of other trucks (just down the beach from it) We left at 6.30pm and there must have been 40, possibly 50 people queuing for the salt wagon. It was packed solid! Must be good burgers. We couldn't wait in the queue as have young kids but we did have a lovely burger and fries from the burger truck next to bob's fish and chips, can't remember the name
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 07:21
I had friends that went last night and they loved it! They had loads of fun. Personally I wouldn't want to view a menu before going as for me it's part of the surprise (I'm a big kid) but for those who want to know in advance I'm sure you can call and ask them to send you a menu.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 11:56
Here you go... Traffic is busy entering Dubai from Sharjah Hessa street is backed up You're welcome
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2015 - 10:03
There was a very long thread on Hartland but I can't find it now. There is also a lady on here who can give you lots of information on Hartland but I can't remember her user name. Maybe the other ladies can help with this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2015 - 17:33
No, I like my little townhouse. Plus you've got the hassle of moving, connecting DEWA, dealing with banks and they don't have ravi's on the doorstep so I'm going to give this amazing offer a miss bye:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2015 - 18:04
I get to the gym for 30mins in the morning, straight home, shower and school run. DH has the kids at the weekend when I want to use it then. My biggest problem was getting into the habit of going, now i'm in it it's harder to break the habit
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2015 - 13:29
Thank you poshbird87 for that recommendation.. The villa is in Jumeirah 1 close to Iranian hospital.. I've requested to join the bin kitty group.. Will post as I get accepted.. Hi Hsaj, A lady called Shammi is doing TNR's around Jumeirah 1 / Satwa area over the next 2 weeks. She is one of the ladies that does a LOT of work for Bin Kitty. I'm sure she'll help where possible and would highly appreciate the costs being covered
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 17:53
Hi, what time do most stores open on Friday in Satwa? Thanks. Anytime after 4pm
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 13:39
Sorry if i'm repeating as I haven't read the other posts. I did this stretch recently and it was great.Just a few things to note though. We couldn't book a bassinet seat as they were all taken by the passengers who had boarded in London. They were all taken by kids too as if there was a single adult in one of those seats the air stewardess told me they would ask them to swap. What they did do was put me in the very back row right next to the toilets. This was such a huge help as i was never disturbing anyone behind me, when the trolleys were out I could still use the toilets without having to wait, stewardess's were just behind me to hold the baby when i needed the toilet. We did have a nappy explosion on the flight which was fine for baby as i had a change of clothes and nappies but I didn't have a spare top so I would advise taking a change of clothes for yourself. I used the Aptamil pre made baby formula which made life so much easier. I took hand luggage which had everything in, my books, baby stuff etc... I wouldn't do this again, I would keep a bag separate just for baby stuff as it was a nightmare rooting through when I was looking for baby stuff quickly. I know this seems extreme but I would take my own food on the flight. The tray is a pain in the **** if you're not in a bassinet seat. If your baby cries and you hear tuts or moans from others then please take no notice (if it bothers them that much they can put the headphones on) as you'll end up getting stressed out. I had a lovely lady sat across the isle from me and she took the baby just for 5 mins to rest my arms. It REALLY helped so take the offer up if its there. I had a great flight with Quantas. The staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough for me and my 2 girls. I hope you have a good experience as I can remember dreading doing this on my own with the kids.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 16:43
I just saw on another thread that a school is sending the kids home at 11am because of the heat!!!!!! Unless between 11am and 3.30pm the kids work outside i just don't get it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 11:48
I wouldn't have thought so unless the AC isn't working.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 14:01
My DD has been at Foremarke for nearly 2 years and she's so happy and doing very well. A lot of my friends children go to Nord and Repton and they are too doing very well and the kids love it. I think Foremarke are full now for next year in 2 of the departments but I'm not sure which 2. I'll try and ask when I do pick up today
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2015 - 11:50
natashak18 at Hotmail dot com got it thanks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2015 - 09:18
Yes I would love to hear positives about Foremarke and negatives - this is all helping clear my mind and focus on the important factors. And nothing helps as much as hearing from actual parents from these schools. Thank You all and please keep the advice coming because as you all know choosing schools for your child is such a huge decision ..... Can you pop your e-mail address up and I'll message you?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 12:53
Could someone please help with directions for the Icon Tower? I was going to go for Bikram Yoga there and couldn't find it and I didn't get any wiser of the directions I was given by the receptionist. They just told me its behind Byblos hotel. On Google map its really close to Byblos and I think I checked every building around it and still couldn't find it. It's the building next to Al Shafar 1 (park n shop building) Icon Tower doesn't have a sign unfortunately. There is a pharmacy at the bottom of Icon, Aster Pharmacy I think.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 12:14
I can give you positive feedback on Foremarke if you still need it. I've never had any dealings with JESS but I've heard lots of positive things about it and as these 2 schools are quite different i'd just go with which one feels right for you.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 May 2015 - 12:58
A lady stopped me in the street and was asking if i needed a maid. I said "no, but if you get me your cv i'll ask around the office" and then gave her my villa number. Last night when i'm in bed i hear the door bell ring. Husband opens it:- Maid: Hello Sir, Ma'am told me to bring cv DH: I think you've got the wrong house, we have a maid. Maid: No Sir, number 9, I remember DH: OK then what does my wife look like Maid: A little bit fat DH: Definitely not my wife (closes the door) So does he think I'm not fat at all or a lot fat :lol:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 14:23
when you turn off the water heater and use the cold as hot, hot as cold. Ha ha ha A great one! Did this for the first time this morning :biggrin:
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 13:25
It's a lovely little place with great food and cracking staff. Stick to what they do best though as I weirdly ordered chicken wings and a tom yum the last time I went and it wasn't the best (obviously) but everything else has been super.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2015 - 15:42
You dread receiving your DEWA bill more than the MIL annual visit
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2015 - 13:45
I wouldn't hesitate in paying 50% upfront and I can completely understand why these salons now do it. So many people don't show for hair/salons appointments for no real reason, whereas if the deposit is paid they will more than likely show. No shows costs salons a huge amount of money in lost revenue and if you're definitely going to go to your appointment why not pay it to guarantee your stylist <em>edited by Mollydxb on 07/05/2015</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 12:52
an awful lot of Repton kids have moved to Nord Anglia and i'm hearing great things about that school. I don't know of that many that made the move to Foremarke but see lots of familiar faces at Nord Anglia. I can't give you any personal feedback on the school but friends are very happy with the move. There's a fair amount of ex-Repton parents at Foremarke. Most moved because Repton got too big and also lost it's "British" identity. Lots of friends kids go to Nord Anglia and their kids are happy. So nice to finally have a big choice of schools in Dubai
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 12:30
Thanks so much for your email. Do you, or anyone else, have any comments about the sheer scale of the schools in Dubai? They are all so huge compared to the schools in the UK. Also, can anyone recommend any other schools which operate to the same standards as a British prep school in Dubai, other than Foremarke? I think you will be sorely disappointed - even with Foremarke - if you are looking for a school with the same standards as a British prep school here in Dubai. All the schools here are relatively new, have huge staff turnover and are basically operating to earn as much money in as short a period of time as possible. Some of the smaller schools you might look at include Kings Dubai, Victory Heights Primary School and JAPS. Many of the schools are much bigger than you're accustomed to certainly but research shows that small class sizes and schools aren't always best and there are advantages to your children interacting with more children in the classroom and having more choice for activities in a larger school. VH and JAPS don't really fall into the "British Prep School" category though and I think that is what she is looking for. Nord Anglia she should visit though for sure
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2015 - 09:24
Hi Mollydxb You can reach me at I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'll be moving my daughter from a very small prep school (100 students) in the UK. I'm a little concerned about how huge the schools are in Dubai. But I guess I have no other option. If I were to look at other schools as well as Foremarke, do you have any suggestions of competitors worth seeing for comparison? OK. Got it
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 12:53
Hi Mollydxb Please could you also share with me your thoughts on Foremarke. We're looking for a school for our 3 year old for September 2015. I'm not sure how to send you a private message with my email address... please let me know if you get this message. Many thanks You can pop your e-mail up on here quickly and i'll email you. then you'll have to remove it
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 12:02
I can give you feedback on Foremarke as my DD has been there since it opened. If you can drop your e-mail on here i'll message you.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 15:09
I love it!! although I hate mainstream marketing as it is obviously made for the purpose of their corporate benefit, It looks like companies are catching on to this and doing 'good things' to get noticed! Coca Cola made a few ads about helping out workers in Dubai too.. not quite sure what to make of it.... My neighbours nanny was the Filipino girl in the latest coca cola one and what they did was fantastic for her family back at home! Yes, I know it is all about marketing but why not do something like this rather than tv ads. Coca Cola were amazing throughout the whole thing. Nanny is over there right now with her family checking out the new shop. Never knew something like this would make such a difference to a family's life. The nanny is also one of the kindest, polite, sweetest, selfless young ladies I know.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 12:07
The pending election could also be blamed! In a few months a potentially new leader - will they make the changes needed to make [b'>Britain Great again[/b'>! Have you all registered to Vote? Very unlikely any of those in the running will ever be ale to do that. do you think its ethically correct to vote in an election for a country that you DO NOT LIVE in or PAY TAXES in? I think so if you have paid taxes in that country for a certain amount of years and if you intend on moving back there
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2015 - 11:09
Sometimes, for the sake of your marriage, it's best to just take a deep breath and try and forget. She sounds like a pain in the rear. See below, hopefully will make you smile. 1, Toilets are like mothers-in-law: the farther away the better. 2, I really DO have a soft spot for my MIL. It's out in the garden behind the garage. 3, I haven't spoken to my mother-in-law for two years. We haven't quarreled. I just don't like to interrupt her. 4, Q: What is the worst thing an emergency doctor can tell you after admitting your MIL? A: Sir, we were able to save her! 5, My MIL is banned internationally from playing poker, as she keeps all the chips on her shoulder! 6, Q: What do you do if you miss your MIL?? A: RELOAD, AND TRY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!! Have a good day
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 March 2015 - 11:51
Have you asked the school why? Maybe they can sit down with you and explain.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2015 - 13:24
Does anyone know anything about Foremarke school? I haven't seen it advertised anywhere but everyone seems to be talking about it. I can feedback if you want to put your e-mail address up? DD is in her 2nd year there and all very positive apart from the grumpy man in the uniform shop :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2015 - 13:07
Does anyone know anything about Foremarke school? I haven't seen it advertised anywhere but suddenly everyone seems to be talking about it. I can feedback to you if you put your e-mail address up. My daughter is on her 2nd year at the school.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2015 - 13:06
Does anyone know anything about Foremarke school? I haven't seen it advertised anywhere but suddenly everyone seems to be talking about it. I can feedback to you if you put your e-mail address up. My daughter is on her 2nd year at the school.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 12:55
Mollydxb - sent you an email Hi :) I've replied. Can you check your junk mail
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 17:54
OK Done
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 13:24
I can give you my positive feedback on Foremarke if you would like to share your email address i'll happily contact you
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 11:05
Thank you, I am contemplating going on a course with them - but paying it all out of my own pocket, want to of course make sure I am getting my "money's worth" I've been on many courses with them as have my colleagues so can give you positive feedback. I've e-mailed you on a hotmail account I had from years ago. <em>edited by Mollydxb on 15/01/2015</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 13:20
Have been watching this thread for a while and want to put in my two-fils worth. I have mixed feelings about the cost of living here vs the UK because so much depends on what kind of life you have, what you value/ choose to pay a premium for, whether you have children and if you do, whether you would want to put them in (for example) an inner-city London public school etc. Personally, I found London relatively cheap when I had no children - I rarely used the NHS, ate out cheaply, shopped in the sales, travelled cheaply, had an annual travel pass for public transport and paid much less in rent for a city pad than I would for similar standard accommodation here. Once I had children, a lot of new costs had to be factored in including private nursery/ school/ childcare, private medical insurance, higher travel costs as we had to move outside central to afford a bigger place, costs of running a car etc. All of this after paying a whopping amount in income tax at source. Here in dxb clearly rent is for the most part higher than the UK, as is clothing and imported food items. But private medical care, education, running a car etc are much cheaper here - or if the same price - paid for out of pre-tax income so much more affordable. I could never afford 3 sets of private school fees in the UK, but I can here. I also value things like daily bin collections (vs every fortnight in the UK), being able to drive myself to work and park for free etc, none of which was affordable in the UK. The cost of buying a detached house in Dubai is also much lower than a similar sized property in greater London, in my experience - I looked at both options last year. I've also found that on recent visits back to the London, a lot of things are MUCH more expensive than when I lived there (I tend to forget that prices have risen everywhere) although some things like clothes, toys, furniture are much cheaper still. Clearly if you put your children in a lovely village state school, are happy to rely on the NHS and are not buying a house in central London, then the cost of living would be substantially cheaper than Dubai. For me it's swings and roundabouts from a cost of living perspective and I prefer my quality of life as a working mum here rather than in London - I get to drop off my children at school on the way to work, and get to spend time with them in the evenings, have live-in help at home etc so am not spending non-work time on household chores. I guess in the end the calculations on the 'cost of living' will depend on your personal circumstances and what goods and services you consume as to whether you end up spending or saving more here relative to your home country. Great post
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 10:58
You may be reading too much into this. If you are not covered on insurance there a certain documents from the hospital (claim form mainly) that you won't need. Did you ask the hospital for an invoice? The fee for what you had done in my opinion isn't bad either. I've paid a lot more for a lot less. What DO you mean by burnt the bill? I'm baffled Hope your little bruiser is doing ok <em>edited by Mollydxb on 14/01/2015</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2015 - 15:51
DH and I were discussing this last night and compared to the first year here we're pretty much the same. We've had 2 kids in between so we've cut back on stuff to take care of them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 13:39
Oh congratualtions Polly!!!! Friends of ours got Married in Tissington Hall, Derbyshire and although we didn't get over for it everyone who went said it was just lovely. http://www.tissingtonhall.co.uk
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 13:02
I feel schools here do not really understand what a parent wants for their children, I looked at that school and really took the time to look at the school lunches on offer, the menus I saw were in my opinion not at all healthy - there is not one vegetable that is uncooked, no salads, not even particularly healthy vegetarian dishes or even healthy deserts (isn't an apple enough?). I just want fresh organic healthy nutritious food for my children! There is a school in Dubai that has its meals catered for by the Organic Cafe, they are incredible, mostly gluten and dairy free only meat served twice a week and its of course always organic. Meals are things like millet burgers and salad, vegetarian pizza, stir fried noodles with veges and steak, organic rice pasta with spinach pesto, and always fruit for desert - a banana smoothie, apple and grape salad, strawberries. Whats surprising is most of the kids love it! Thats what I want for my children, its a shame but MasterChef does our school so I do packed lunches. I dream for a day when I am happy with a caterer that does my kids school lunches :) Every parent is different and it's really hard to please everyone. Call me a bad mum but I'm not at all bothered about the food being organic, gluten or dairy free. I want my girl to have a hearty 3 course meal at school, she needs it as she's a very active child. More important to me is that the food is cooked from scratch. We're all different.