Mrs Laughan | ExpatWoman.com
 

Mrs Laughan

Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 18:39
JS - I had seen your post. Jojo has actually been with us 4 weeks ( where did that go?) . He is a really lovely boy, but does not want to share our home with max our existing cat.....so I will need to find him a home.... When I took him in as far as DH was concerned it was always a foster situation......
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 14:07
have you looked at VRBO.com.....because rents are so high, many NY'ers rent there places out while they are away. It really depends on your budget - in tribeca, there is a hotel called the cosmopolitan, it is definately budget, but clean and tidy, nothing luxurious though! I love tribeca (lived there for 3 1/2 glorious years)...there are also some swankier hotels that opened, but can't remember their names, I'll ask DH. Anyway thing about tribeca, really good access to subway lines (fastest way around the city), great restaurants, and it also gives you a feel for what it is like living in NYC as it is a residential neighbourhood (great for celeb spotting!) also a 1/2 hour walk to soho, little longer to the village and meatpacking district - but great walks!
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 09:39
there is always one at the mo on the Al Manara road overbridge hidden behind the signage taking photos of cars going along SZH
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 07:33
just so you don't think I am a complete crack pot [url='>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema-bleach-bath/AN02003[/url'>
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 07:32
I was thinking about this thread over the last few days.....when I was living in the states there was some research out that if you put a little bleach in the bath (yes I know sounds completely weird) it really helps childhood eczema. I discussed it with my dermatologist. Apparently some eczema is caused by an imbalance (IE too much) of the good bacteria on the skin. I couldn't bring myself to add bleach to DS bath (even though its such a small amount) but what I did start doing about once a week, which made a difference is throw all the bath toys in the bath, add about a cup of bleach, fill the bath right up, soak everything for about 5 min, and then let it drain out. I would do it in the morning, so by evening everything had dried off. This killed any bacteria on and in the bath toys (the squeezy ones I would give several squeezes), and also leave just a little residue on the toys and bath. It did seem to help DS eczema.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 07:24
I only had one experience with them - where they really didn't get a curtian clean.....my beef with them is the job they do is average (IMHO) but they are expensive.... DH has also had shirts back, that have obviously been put in the plastic damp, so they have got that awful smell about them. We have been using riches (On the recommendation of another EW lady) for about 6 weeks now and they are fab...call me if there is a mark they can't get out, do a good job, very resonably priced and pick up and deliver......
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 12:00
How long is you LO up for between sleeps? ohh just read another post and its just over an hour which is about right...you may just have to leave him, don't go in too soon , and yes for some children Mibiles keep them awake, rather than help soothing to sleep. With first DS I did the easy, but with DD I read Mark weisbbluths book, which I found very helpful, he talks about the need for sleep, how much they need at what age, and gives you a number of different options for how to get them into a sleep routine. DD is now a fantastic sleeper.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 11:49
Bump for a lovely looking dog........
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 11:47
Hmmm...and while we are at it Kimia/analaria...you say your "first kittens" I really hope you are not setting up a breeding operation AS DUBAI DOES NOT NEED MORE CATS..... Do the responsible thing and get your cat fixed.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 08:36
Dr John McEwan - AMAZING!
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 19:23
@Jojo - no the states would be far more, the raw costs without insurance. WE had insurance, and what was considered good cover, but still we were whacked at times with some pretty large bills....also saw what the hospitals charged, before they discounted to the insurance people, and it was ridiculous, the whole system is a joke, but a crippling one if you don't have insurance.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 21:52
I never came across this practice until we moved here. I always only take the invited child to the party never the siblings. I was stunned when siblings turned up at my oldest Childs birthday party not long ago, especially as the cost was 100 per head! Just a note on 'dropping and going": what is the protocol here? Reading the replies below it appears that this is frowned upon. We have always asked the Childs parent when we arrive if they'd like us to stay or not but now I am thinking that this is not done and I am 'dumping'? Feeling very guilty now. I, personally think it's fine to leave your child... As long as you have double checked pick up time and made sure the host has your. Number in case of emergency.....I think what most people of here have objected too is when the siblings are dropped off as well.....so the birthday party becomes the baby sitter.... I am sure I'll be corrected if I am wrong!
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 21:10
Mariana I object to you implying people are tight by not wanting to entertain your whole family! How people choose too spend their money is up to them. The majority of people may have what seems a luxurious life, but I am sure most have a budget. If that does not include the $ to entertain a sibling then I think that is fair enough....and as I have said if you can't live with it, you can always decline an invite....attendance isn't compulsory.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 21:01
Jojo - what are you comparing it to when you say it is expensive - the UK? Because I look at these costs compared with what I had to pay in the states and they are soooo reasonable, and I wouldn't say the care was that great either!
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 20:52
Very rude ! I have 2 kids and it will be impossible to attend with one...what i should do with the other? If you have a certain budget and not prepared to go over i suggest you limit the party to a close group of kids where you fallow up to make certain who attends .... It really depends how old they are....at DS 5th b-day one mum dropped and went - she explained she needed to be with the other kids - thats fine by me too.... And it is hard to limit the kids in some cases, DS is new in his class, and gets on with most very well, but no real fav's within the class. So I feel it wopuld be rude not to invite everyone (As I can't pick say 5). If you are not comfortable with it, you can always decline.
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 20:49
I think so....last year I specifically said to people to that siblings were fine, the more the merrier, but I also respect that it may not always be. THough some people may get there noses out of joint - just warning you! I had what turned into a heated discussion with a good friend, over this issue. Her elder daughter had been invited to a party, and it was specifically no siblings. My friend was complaining about this "how do I tell me younger DD she's not invited", my response tell her it's a party for elder DD, and she's not invited (and i am thinking and if she throws a strop put her in time out), anyway got the whole song and dance about younger DD missing out, it's not fair, yada yada yada....not a lot of sympathy from me!!! Anyway - I would put it politely on the invite, and just be firm, but nice if queried about it.
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 13:18
hhhmmmm...I heard that there had been some help from this neck of the woods........
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 13:17
NO advice other to say - what a prick!
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 13:12
OK - so it is far more complicated than parabens etc in products. A very simplistic way to explain it is - eczema is dry skin (Caused by what will depend on the child), this means there is not enough oil in the skin and the lipid barrier may be compromised. So the most effective treatment is to actually mositurise. The problem with most( really all) skincare products for a skin like this is to combine the oil and water based products to make a creme, all basic products contain suffactants and emulsifiers - the roll of these products is to dissolve the water based and oil based products together. In crude terms they are basically detergents - so on an already fragile skin, they can compromise and aggravate it further. The 2 commercial products that I have found fine for DS and DD skin is Cetafil cleansing lotion (use it to even wash hair) and bells E45 creme which I dissolve in the bath. HOWEVER the single most effective thing that I have used is Olive oil...as recommended by Dr loubster - this has been amazing. The thing that is so great about it is that there is nothing for kids to react too in it - and it is just pure moisture for there skin. (and of course it doesn't have emulsifiers and suffectants) Plus its cheap as chips - does take a bit to get used to - but it is the only thing I will use to moisturise now.
Mrs Laughan
436
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 13:01
Dr Loubster at infinity clinic - he is an allergest (So asthma and eczema) - very good
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 12:57
No I used the Maya...they didn't have the mini monkey (Remember this was over a year ago)...But I do like the look of it, b/c 1 it is adjustable and 2 / it has that rolled edge.....Why don't you ring the girls at Bubsboutique and ask them about it? they have always been really helpful when I have had Q's......I found them very honest
Mrs Laughan
436
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 12:52
There is also Reach out at knowledge village, only have experience with them and they are very good.
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 08:32
I used the Mia (I think) ringsling, which I really liked b/c it is adjustable. I bought it online from a crowd called bubsboutique (A dubai based online retailer like Babysouk). I bought my ergo from Amazon, as I don't think Babysouk had them when I got mine....I think they started stocking them just after. If you can afford both - I would get both, the Sling was a life saver in those first few months...esp in the afternoon when I had stuff to do with DS, but DD was fussy - she would sleep for an hour, hour and a half against me. If you are wanting to use the ergo in dubai though I would recommend you get one of the lighter weight ones - I think the sport? I wish mine was one, but ergo hadn't launched them unfortunately. The other thing is every so often there is a "Baby-wearing" workshop...they are held at the organic store....I went to one when DD was a few weeks old and that really gave me a lot of confidence, lots of ladies who really know how to use the various carriers helping you feel comfortable with them
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 21:28
I have used both a sling and a baby carrier......for the first few months ( when you need to use the infant insert) i used the sling a lot more. It was just easier to use a sling, with the infant insert, and the ergo carrier i felt it was a bit warm here. Having said that, once we got past the infant insert stage, i used and still use (dd 14months) the ergo baby carrier all the time. It was and is fantastic when travelling, i highly recommend it. Also i have ordered lots of stuff from baby souk and found them fab. So if you want something that will last long time , go for the ergo........
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 13:59
I do a moroccan lamb shank recipe that you could easily adapt by adding a tin of beans, its something like this, 5 lamb shanks, 1/2 bottle red wine, 2 TBspn cinnamon, 2 tins of chopped tomatoes 2 onions sliced, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 Tblespn, oregano, 3 bay leaves, 1 tspn salt, 3 small chilli's torn, 2 tbspn sugar - throw them all in with your beans - cook for 2 1/2 - 3 hours...actually that timing is in the oven at 180.....garnish with mint and italian parsley roughly chopped....I normally serve with cous cous. In a slow cooker I would probably reduce the fluid, so I would reduce the wine, or leave it out if you don't have alcohol.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 13:41
I 2nd Dr John - he's amazing with kids, and always finds us a spot.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 17:16
sorry the link won't work... would anyone foster him, he is a lovely friendly boy.....
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 16:25
I have put an ad on dubizzle for him, here is the link [url='>http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified/pets/lost-found-pets/cats/2011/2/17/found-black-and-white-cat-the-lakes-club-2/?new[/url'> <em>edited by Mrs Laughan on 17/02/2011</em>
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 16:16
There is a lovely Black and white cat that turned up at the Lakes club 1 week ago....I am hoping he is lost, (as opposed to abandoned) he is very friendly...could he be yours?
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 15:17
and seriously tell him not to get an F&P - we are having all kinds of trouble with betterlife who are the distributor here, and therefore (apparently the only ones who service them). DH did some research on the internet to find out what is wrong with ours, and apparently there are quite a few "quality control" issues with their fridges at the mo. I have spent all week trying to get our fridge sorted....still not fixed and apparently it's just a $2 switch which needs replacing.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 14:58
Don't buy an F&P...in case you start feeling patriotic......
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:56
Where do you buy it momoftwo?
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:38
anyone?
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:36
DD was same - very normal, but do get it checked. In rare cases baby girls can apparently get mastitis.
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:35
I know how you feel - my in-laws are exactly the same. Dh turning 40 this year, they could easily visit to celebrate, but no way. They too have worked out that we will be home every sumer so why bother. Of course when we are actually in the same country, they are not that good at making it to Auckland, so I have to trek with the kids to see them, another plane, and a very un-kid friendly house....oh and also "because you love cooking so much, I thought I'd let you organise dinner...." It's interesting though as if DH had his way, we wouldn't go back to NZ, but rent a villa in Europe and stay there for the summer, but I want DS to know his cousins and GP, and also feel as if NZ is "home" even if it's not at the mo.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:28
It is so personal...I am not a fan of Dr Rita at Healthbay, but you may like her. I really like Dr sean Petherbridge at Infinity health clinic...he is not a pediatrician though, but a family Doc...we all go to him.
Mrs Laughan
436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 12:10
Freckles - I haven't read the whole thread - sorry, I am having one of those days! But I think you should take both to the ENT. DS had re occuring snotty noses, and not quite raging ear infections, but would get pink ear drums on and off all the time - he had grommets fitted - no more snotty noses and ear infections, the difference was incredible. I went through life until I was 16 getting tonsilitus every winter again and again. I would do a course of anti-biotics, it would clear up, I would be fine for a couple of weeks, and then it would start over. By the time I had my tonsils out - the surgeon described them as "rotten" - his exact words, not mine. Also was a very tricky op apparently b/c they were so bad, which involved me hemoraging. I wish, the respective GP's had referred both DS and me to an ENT sooner. If you don't know an ENT here I would recommend Dr john McEwan - he is very good and will not rush into an operation....with DS when we moved here, even though he had had gromets, he monitored him for 3 months before putting another set in, to make sure it was necessary. Hope your LO's get better soon.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:28
The only answer I would give to those who ask about hotel rooms for unmarried people, is that it might be ok, but please remember you are breaking a law and you are far away from home, and do not forget that your embassy cannot and will not help you. i think this is very sensible advice.....
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:21
We have just moved to the lakes... Great playgrounds, kids and mums biking around....lovely
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:20
What channel is the grammy's on? <em>edited by Mrs Laughan on 15/02/2011</em>
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:03
Just told my DH about this thread and his response is "There are alot of people up their own @rses in this country. They think just because they have a maid that they are a CEO of multi-national company". I tend to agree. ROFPML..... I'm with your husband!
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 19:10
Yes she is being terribly unfair - just because when she married her husband, his son's "custody" arrangement was that he lived with the Mum - but why shouldn't the Dad take responsibility for "custody" at some point. And that sort of ultimatum is so childish........ Having said that, I have a number of friends who are married to divorcees with children from previous marriages and it seems in their situation, the husbands or Dads let the children run rough-shod over the new wife - don't set boundaries etc. So my constructive advice is she needs to apologize to her DH, educate herself on her step-sons capabilities and where he needs help, discuss with her DH where she will need help with him, and set ground rules, or house rules ...that both her and her DH can agree on and establish together. She needs to get over the ex's comments to her, she is allowing her to meddle in her relationship, exactly what the ex wants....she should go to counselling if need be, but she needs to be a grown up and get past this.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 18:02
anything acidic....you could use lemon or lime juice.....depends if your doing it to avoid alcohol. why I say this, if its a japanese dish you could use a combination of sherry and lemon juice (thats what I do as havn't found rice wine vinegar yet). You may be able to use just plain white vinegar - but it is stronger in acidity to white wine vinegar, so you just need to taste as you go along.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 17:59
Meile is the quietest....but also the more expensive option. Ours you don't know its running when you stand beside it...you don't hear anything
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 21:16
Posted the story on another thread.....we have been focusing on meadows 2 as that was where the driver of the furniture delivery truck said he saw him, even though he "definitely" was not in his truck anyway. Went down later today at 4 and focused on giving flyers to maids. Also stuck some flyers up at the playground. At 6 I got a call from a maid who said her friend had Max at her house, definitely our cat, same collar as in the the picture..... Anyway hAve to say I was very skeptical, we were out running around after false leads until 10.30 last night. So went down, met the first maid at the park, and she gave me directions too to her friends villa. And there he was!!! She had fed him so he didn't run away. And I have to say that although he hasn't been with us long (4 months?) he was very pleased to see me. So paid her a reward and thanked her hugely. She wasn't expecting a reward and had gone to quite a effort to contact us . She had seen the flyer at the park, gone home, seen max, rung her friend at the park to get her to call me... And he is asleep on my lap now, having come to terms with the fact he was not going to be allowed out tonight!!!! So all trucks and cars will be searched before leaving our vicinity!!
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 18:41
Just found Max in meadows 2, thanks to a group of maids, who went to a huge effort to keep him in the same place, and contact me. Just got home with him...he is dying to go outside....but that is a no way. :)
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 18:39
Max is found!!!
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 18:37
Found him - where the delivery guy saw him in meadows 2...where he didn't get off his truck ;) Well actually the maid mafia tracked him down...I mean that in the nicest way - they saw the flyer, saw the cat, fed the cat so he stayed in same place, rang friend in park to ring me ...Fantastic, a well deserved reward and a very happy family...the best valentines day present ever!!!!
Mrs Laughan
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 12:40
TD - how old is your DS? We have just settled DS into school here, and he is doing quite well. The school is abit disorganised...which does my head in. Safa was our first choice, and we are still on the wait list...If we got offered a place I really am not sure what we would do. I would love to know (broadly speaking) why you chose to move him from his last school - was it a hard decision? or a no brainer. Just curious - sorry, it's just your post made me start thinking about our niggles with DS current school. DS does not cope with change that well so moving schools is quite a big decision for us.
Mrs Laughan
436
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 08:11
will call today, thanks Sue....
 
 
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