Mrs Laughan | ExpatWoman.com
 

Mrs Laughan

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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:53
My motto is better late than dead on time. Sadly I do not think things will ever change around here. You can educate, educate, educate but I reckon the roads here will always be super scary because of the bad drivers. Re educating people - I do believe that even if you get through to just one person and save 1 life its so worth it. But sadly I think the majority here won't be told. absolutely agree. But I was contemplating my driving today and realised I have become quite a nervous driver because of all the stupid things I see around me...well I have decided its wine o'clock, so I am going to pour a chardonnay and see if that makes me feel better...
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:43
I know - I live in the lakes - lots of road works into the main gate..today I (and the truck I was following which was going slowly) was past by 5 cars on a blind corner (the other truck made it blind) -= no way they could have seen ahead b/c of the position of another construction truck on the corner.....incredible, all white women with carseats in the back...CARSEATS AREN"T GOING TO PREVENT INJURY IN A HEAD ON...they may not die......but they still will probably be badly injured..is that 2 mins really worth it..... sorry - as I had to brake hard (and i mean really hard ) last week so I wasn't involved in one of these head ons (I was on the right side of the road)..I am more than a little p!ssed by this behaviour...they didn't have baby on board signs though;)
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:34
its just ridiculous isn't it.....if people drove with some sense it either wouldn't have happened, or been not as severe
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:42
Some kids in the first 6-8 weeks don't sleep alot, however there will be a change, and she will need to sleep during the day....sleep breeds sleep, so the better sleeps she has during the day, the better she will sleep at night. Sleep is really important for brain developement so you will want her having good daytime naps eventually. There are several differents ways to get them to sleep during the day...a really good book is Marc weissbluths, healthy sleep habits, happy child.......I really liked it because he outlines the importance of sleep, how much sleep each child should get at what age, and then the differents techniques for getting them to sleep. I have a copy if you want to borrow it
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:33
I took DD when she was a couple of months - just keep an eye on her skin, and make sure you rinse her off after. Don't bother with water wings, they will just get in the way...and shouldn't be used at any age....and use a swim diaper..... edited to add - I just wouldn't be putting her under yet <em>edited by Mrs Laughan on 03/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:29
but how are you going to get the dent in the Ford's bumper fixed without a police report?.. edited by miss balamory on 03/04/2011 apparently their are places that will fix cars no questions asked...I haven't done it, but was just treated like an idiot at a BBQ, when someone was telling me about there run in with a pole, and them just driving off, i was saying - but you won't be able to get it fixed, everybody looked at me like "you daft bint '.....i needed to remember you can get most things sorted with a few AED spare....
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:23
We have one - love It!!! I heat my milk in the microwave though. I haven't got one of the foamy milk things, though I would like to get one! Had one in the states and loved it (the milk thingy)
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:15
The OP's post is a year old, and not implying her DD is a bully, but would you make your child invite another child who bullies them? Say your DD came home from school most days and said child xyz has called me fat, or ugly, or pushed me and they were the ONLY child in the class your DD had a problem with, would you expect her to invite this child to her birthday party? Sorry - only just got with the program...no I would not invite a child that was actively bullying mine, however my son is going through a faze of holding grudges...another little boy is not nice to him in school, we hear about it, it lasts a week maybe 2, while we are working on letting these things go, I would not listen to this nonsense from him. It is all or nothing (Well just a couple), not half, not 3/4, a handful. So I suppose what I am saying is it depends on the bullying, how long it has gone on, what the schoola nd parents are doing about it.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:10
No Dan Lou, the girl made a point of letting my daughter know that there would not be an invitation for her. what a little b!tch ....well guess we know what she is going to be like as an adult...a nasty peice of work
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:03
I haven't read the entire thread, but here is my 2 cents , you are not sick to want revenge...to invite every single other girl in the class is mean and nasty...and its at it's worst b/c obviously it is condoned by the Mum, her doesn't have the sensitivity and good manners to teach her daughter that this is not the way you behave. However if you act on it - that would be sick.... You need to teach your daughter that sometimes people will be mean, but she needs to be the stronger person, that you can't control other people actions, only your reactions, and not to sink to their level. However have to say - this kind of behaviour is thoughtless and dispicable. I know one school here will not distribute invites, unless they are too the whole class.....I think that is a very good policy
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 13:59
HI Purple - been through this with DS - to be honest haven't managed completely gluten free...as Bread was the big problem, but I am more than happy to talk to you and answer as many questions as possible. I am a baker so can talk you through what you need to know about Gluten free baking, and the mixes/flours email me on mrslaughan at gmail dot com and we will tee up to talk (if you want)
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 07:48
he's probably not far away JS.....He probably just didn't like the feeling of being shut in...after looking after 3 abandoned cats all have felt very threatened by being shut in the bathroom, which they have all had to do for a period. Cats are really quite resilient and he may not of hurt himself......I am sure he will reappear as you are his food source!!
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 20:22
Anyone?
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 18:25
thanks Waxmuch - no I don't need a referral. I will give them a call - Thanks!!
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 18:04
cappie - I would be interested as a short term thing. Can you email me on mrslaughan at gmail dot com
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 16:10
Just make sure you keep your fluids up and you should be fine.
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 16:09
there is a new pro bike shop opened behind MOE...DH has got my bike (Far from PRO) serviced there and is actually in the process of buying a bike from them. I believe they are cheaper than Wolfie's. Is that too far from you? DH is out at the mo, but will be back soon if you want the number
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 16:04
as long as it is not a ceramic hob....baking soda applied dry (quite alot - you want to end up with a paste), and then scrub with half a lemon --- it seems to get off the toughest grime,....something to do with the reaction of the BS and the acid of the lemon, the juice comes out of the lemon and forms a paste, keep on scrubbing with said lemon and it should disappear. Just curious MrsL...great suggestion, but why not on ceramic? I don't know that it wouldn't be fine, but I know with some ceramic hobs you have to be careful what you use on them....I use this combo on everything baked on - pyrex dishes, ceramic dishes and my fry pans (don't know what DH does but when he does a fry up they end up black on the inside!!), it doesn't scratch any of these, but I would hate for someone to try it, and ruin a ceramic hob.....
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 12:58
as long as it is not a ceramic hob....baking soda applied dry (quite alot - you want to end up with a paste), and then scrub with half a lemon --- it seems to get off the toughest grime,....something to do with the reaction of the BS and the acid of the lemon, the juice comes out of the lemon and forms a paste, keep on scrubbing with said lemon and it should disappear.
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 10:12
thanks ladies - exactly what I was looking for and I have booked him in
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Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 19:22
this is raffles..... KDHA said to talk to them about post dated cheques, they are sure they will be fine with us paying in cash before or on due date, because that is what we have always done.
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Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 19:19
wow bornconfused, people never cease to amaze me. I'm glad your houseboy saw them. I know. It amazed me but wasn't too surprised by this couple in the first place. They were quite rude and agressive during the purchase of other plants. And on top of the plants they wanted everything under the sun from inside our house that we weren't getting rid of. But the two plants they stole were in massive clay pots that were quite expensive. Needless to say we got them back and they got a fine for theft. Only a fine??? that surprises me....
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Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 19:17
Oh JS - he is so cute!!! would take him in a minute if I didn't have 2 cats already (both abandoned)....and DH has said 2 is the limit!
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Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 19:15
Sorry - I hope I have not offended anyone (do they do them for men?), but it's DH birthday and would like to get him a sort of spa treatment, and thought maybe a hammam (is that how you spell it?) might be a good idea....any recommendations?
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Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 15:40
I thought the KDHA had already ruled that they had to revert to LY re-registration/enrolment policy?
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 15:45
I have a couple of diff ones - a Nancy Ganz and a miracle suit to help with the post belly baby...does help a little (well I do feel better)....but it ain't no miracle cure!
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 15:18
I rang the KDHA....they were helpful, but non committal...it would seem that there is not an "article"to cover this, and in the past just rulings with regards to the individual schools. I am going to go and see admissions and tell them we are coming back, but we are only paying 500AED, and no post dated cheques - we pay our fees on time and always in cash, so they just have to deal with it!
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 15:15
Gaviscon creates a float on top of the milk, preventing it from travelling back up the oesophogous it is the mildest of the medications, and really only helps on its own, for mild GERD, but can be used in conjunction with zantac or losec.....I would only use Zantac or losec with perscription, just so you know the dose is right......do you have a good pediatrician that you can go to and say you want to try this......
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 15:12
DD had silent reflux, and I have to say so many ped's here have no idea about it. I think in this situation, you are best to try the medication and see if it works - it can take a few good weeks for you to notice a difference, because they associate pain with food, they need to loose that association
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Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 11:31
it seems to be worse if you have an afternoon session - I needed someone just for a couple of hours (so had to have the minimum of 4), and they only had afternoon slots. She was meant to turn up at 1.00 - but turned up at 3.00....not only was a waiting around, then she was in the way when getting the kids ready for bed...... So my advice, always do a morning slot.....
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Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 11:26
So DS school has asked for the following, a registration fee, 500 AED, and a re-enrolment fee of 3000AED, by the 14th April... and then for the school fee's in post dated cheques Like everything here it is clear as mud and they are trying to confuse things, I feel, to give themselves some wiggle room... Anyway 2 questions - 1/My understanding is that they can only ask for the 500AED - they can't ask for the 3000 can they? and 2/ the post dated cheques - we don't use cheques here at all, we pay everything in cash including the school fees in cash - do we have to do this? This is actually my biggest beef, i'll pay the 3500 if need be (even if not legal), but I really don't want cheques floating out their....I want to continue to pay in cash. What is legal?
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 21:09
Rosie Payne is the Rosie I recommended
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:47
Yes - apparently you can buy also sorts of cats from a breeder here in Dubai.....DH found it by googling.....quite eye opening and just a little concerning!
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:41
My DS had an expressive and receptive Language delay - and he went to Rosie at the Dubai Community health center on Jumeira Beach road...is progress with her was amazing...
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:41
Do you have a number for him? or do they have a website?
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 19:02
KKS is right reward the good, ignore the bad...EXCEPT in the case of extreme bad behaviour, like hitting, and then time out is the perfect response./ No debate, no asking for reasons, just "I saw you hit ....... thats time out" The important thing is consistency. If it happens on playdate in someone else house or at the park, I would say 1 timeout, but explain if it happens again that you will be going home. and if he does, you put him in the car and take him home...and he doesn't get any treats, TV etc when you get home...it is very boring!
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 18:56
DH turns 40 in a fortnight and hasn't been able to decide what he wants to do......I would like to organise a dinner party with a few friends, but rather than me being stuck in the kitchen on his big day, wondering if you ladies have any recommendations of someone, or a company that could cater it for us. MTIA PS - realise that its late notice, but still worth a crack!
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 16:17
Guiness - I'll see if I can find our agents number...we are on the lake, so wouldn't fit your budget, but a type 16 (which is what we have ) is a nice roomy 5 bedroom, and if you look at ones not on the lake, and have a bit of time you may find one. It was a god send when we got to the agent that found our place, she had the most properties in the lakes....maybe b/c she has lived here awhile and was quite realistic. Her name is Hana....I'll see if DH has her number For some reason the Maeen villa's are not very sort after - maybe b/c they don't have open plan living?
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:51
The Meadows/Springs/Lakes are all showing signs of age unless renovated, and sadly few have had any money spent on them since they were built! edited by Cornish Pixie on 27/03/2011 The ones we saw in the lakes had "aged" much better than the meadows. The places we saw there were shocking, and some of the kitchens down right disgusting......
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:49
The deema villa's in the lakes, were really highly sort after, but smaller, they were less negotiable... mrslaughan at gmail dot com Anyway if you want to email me I am quite happy to share what we are paying....there is a 5 bed at the end of our street for lease if you are interested in the lakes. edited by Mrs Laughan on 27/03/2011 If this is the villa I think it is, by the little park area, it is a lovely one - fully upgraded, poggenpohl kitchen, gaggenau appliances etc I think the asking price is 320k but I know there is some scope for negotiation as one of my relocation clients almost took it 10days ago! Yep thats the one...when we were looking we were offered the one opposite in Maeen 5 for $280 Negotiable - I think $40k is a large premium, even if it is upgraded. I am not even sure if the one opposite has been rented....a week ago it still had a sign up, so it had been empty for at least 2 months......
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 12:21
I think many landlords, still haven't realised the reality of the situation here....we started negotiations on places, pnly to have landlords up the stakes (up the price, ask for 2 years in 1 cheque)...unfortunately if the majority are doing it, it makes it hard... the best thing is to allow yourself plenty of time to find a place..........
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 12:16
Production dates don't mean anything, if produce has got warm in transit....just on the weekend I went to buy milk, and the first bottle I went to pick up was warm, so I got the one behind, and gave the warm one to the spinney's man packing the shelves....unfortunately I am sure he will have put it back on the shelf once I was out of eyesight.......
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 12:08
Hi Guiness, We moved in Jan from Jumeira to the Lakes. Originally we were looking in the meadows - my impression was that the Landlords were asking an inflated price - and prepared to negotiate down. One thing I did find in the meadows were the villas we saw, were very poorly maintained (1 we were quite serious about, DH walked out on the deck, and his foot went through the deck, he is a small guy, so that ended our interest!) we settled on a place in Maeen 1(the lakes) - which is 5 bedroom...because of circumstances we didn't have a lot of time for negotiations...but I believe given time we could have got it for a little less - but everyone only wanted 1 cheque - that was a surprise. The deema villa's in the lakes, were really highly sort after, but smaller, they were less negotiable... mrslaughan at gmail dot com Anyway if you want to email me I am quite happy to share what we are paying....there is a 5 bed at the end of our street for lease if you are interested in the lakes. <em>edited by Mrs Laughan on 27/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 18:45
Sham - bed bugs can travel b/w apartments :( Also if you have stayed in a hotel, they can hitch hike home in your suitcase. A friends husband bought them home with him from a business trip eeeecccckkkkkkk
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 18:37
Hi clelland, if izzy is not interested let me know... DH has always wanted one of these cars (don't ask me why) and would be interested if it falls through with izzy. [email protected]
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 12:29
I had it in my son's room when we lived in NYC and to be honest I didn't like it. Dirt, dust and the general detritous of life falls between the cracks - but of course does not get sucked out by the vacuum cleaner, but then to lift it and clean underneath it is a right pain, and takes alot of work. Mightn't be so bad if you have a maid to do it, but then it will use up alot of her time... So to answer your question....no I don't think it is worth it.
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 09:01
I think the ergo website says up to 4, and when we lived in manhattan, saw lots of mums and dad's out and about with bigger kids in ergo's on their backs.
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:47
The whole Case is strange, the parents have not behaved in what I would call a rational manner from the start. I can't understand why in the middle of all this you would send a text about putting your child bckin school....and the father thinks it odd the ( he sensed a set up) that the principalemailed confirmation....I would say he was just covering his butt, and making his correspondence official. You have to wonder if there is more to this case with regards to the school, than we know. I just don't see how the men can be anything other than innocent given the GPS information. It is all strange ad sad.
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:35
With regards to racism, I believe it does depend where you live, simpleasabc and I have discussed this. I think the German part of the country can be quite unwelcoming! Also as Swiss sandy says, so many companies are moving there, perhaps attitudes will change. Having said all I said if DH got offered a job there I think we would seriously consider it.... It is a beautiful country and I love visiting my sister in Zurich.
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:28
Given it would be illegal for her to live and work with you while on her old bosses visa, and that it is expensive to do the whole visa thing (organising her on your sponsorship), I would say sorry to her, and find a different maid.