muurtje | ExpatWoman.com
 

muurtje

muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 19:57
No floods. Strangely enough it seems that the left lanes are drier then the ones on the right. It's almost as if they've used a different type. 99% of the cars coming back are driving cautiously and not speeding so the trip home was fairly pleasant.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 10:51
Loving it!! Just not sure about spending all day at the Sevens in it... need to see if I can find my umbrella. Not sure I still have one.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:31
They use it here all the time. It is cheaper then cow manure (by a couple of dirhams only!!). I personally would never use it as I just can not imagine it being good for the plants. However Derien I think if you were to phone the municipality they would just laugh at you. It has been treated and turned in to pellets specifically for the purpose of fertilising plants.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:27
I have the same. It sometimes leads to confusion, but as kiwispiers has said, they are sort of used to you keeping your maiden name. Back home on official things we use both names. I.e, Mrs Muurtje husbands name maiden name. But in my passport it says maiden name and then wife of husbands name. Was funny when I went to pick Dh's passport from his embassy and the women asked me how she could know I was his wife, well because it says so in my passport was my reply.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 14:13
I haven't seen any venison here. Which is a shame as I love it! Maybe you could try Galerie Lafayette over in Dubai Mall? I did see Guinea Fowl today in Spinneys Motor City, not the same but makes a change from plain old chicken. <em>edited by muurtje on 29/11/2012</em>
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 12:33
Sorry you had to go through the same Philly. I will keep my eye set on 16 weeks and hope that will be the end of it. DH remarked yesterday, that he hadn't ever seen me sleep this much and he figured it must be hard work growing a baby... no sh*t sherlock was my reply :D Irishgal I hope your hospitals tours go well. Yes, my brain seems to be very foggy too. Having a hard time remembering things, names all of it!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 16:31
Yes, that's the one. They have these sprays that come in silver cannisters and I didn't like the xmas tree one, but love the holly one.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 16:23
Haven't seen any, but did buy a fake holly spray at Bathworks that smells fairly genuine so if you find some of the fake stuff you can spray it to make it seem more authentic... I know it's slightly crazy but I spray my fake Christmas tree with it to make it smell real.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 15:02
How are you all feeling? I was hoping that the second trimester would be this wonderful period of feeling great and having heaps of energy... instead I'll be 15 weeks on Thursday and still feel awful. Nauseous, vomiting, tried, agitated, achy, forgetful... ugh! Don't want to complain but was really hoping to feel better by now. Feel like I've been having the world's longest hangover!! I'm in bed by 21.00, nap during the day if I get a chance and just still soooo tired!! Anyway just taking it one day at a time and dreaming of finally meeting our lovely bundle of joy.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 13:45
I live in AR and you're welcome to borrow mine. E-mail me at dubai muurtje at gmail dot com
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 13:44
Welcome Irishgal! Can't advise you on hospitals in AD... I've gone with American and am very happy, but I think that both American and City are good hospitals and you'll find people who have had good and bad experiences at both. I would book a tour first and then a Dr. But you could do it the other way as well.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 22:10
I've been wondering about that myself Maxmistry!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 21:46
Lexi, we must have crossed paths today! Am so happy to have found a good Dr as I really didn't like the first one and was starting to get worried. It's my first and I really need to feel that I can trust the Dr in charge. I was home last week and made the most of it. Bought a pram, a maxi cosi car seat plus base, a high chair and a baby carrier. Saved so much money, also helped a long by the VAT. Parents are coming in Dec and bringing car seat and base. DH talking about building a play pen (essential for a Dutch Mum) and possibly a cot and changing table as well. Good thing we have till May ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 18:45
Hello ladies, finally had my due date confirmed and can now become an official member of the 'May' babies club. Baby will hopefully come around 22May. Had my second scan today. First time seeing Dr Baithwait and I really like her. We were able to see our baby clearly moving around in there! Such an amazing sight! Hapily staring at the little print we were given. Now just waiting for the morning sickness to subside and I'll feel human again :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 15:13
Apologies, I didn't realise this was for Qatar. Not sure about it over there, but in the UAE non of the ipads and iphone have this installed.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2012 - 15:12
You will not have face time on your ipad or iphone if you buy it here. I would buy mine in the UK for that reason alone.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 15:31
Can anybody help me find a nice Dr? I went for a scan last night at the local clinic and did not like the Dr. Found her lacking when it came to offering up information and she didn't print out any pictures for us of the scan. Also from the measurement she told me I'm 8 weeks and 5 days, but she could not give me an EDD. Guess she didn't want to take the time to do the calculations. I tried Dr Britt, but she is extremely busy and can only see me in Dec and I don't want to wait that long. I tried Dr Sant but she is not covered by our insurance. Any other recommendations please! Starting to get a bit desperate...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 13:56
We used Ceres and are happy with them. Not the cheapest option, but they did a great job and the feel and quality of the grass is very good. You won't regret it!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 12:13
TDB you are right, they don't do pork which is a shame. I love their lamb and rosemary ones they are great! If often get a big bunch of them when we have a party and they always go down a treat.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 12:08
We always enjoy the food at the Royal Orchid. They do some lovely Chinese dishes and if it is cool enough to sit outisde you'll have a great view as well. Still think it is a shame that MORE closed in Festival City, as the view from their balcony was great!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 11:56
Gourmet Butchers in G&D park do really nice sausages. Not sure if they have cumberland ones but the ones I've tried have all been very nice.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 11:54
Congratulations waterbaby!! I'm in the same boat as you. Have known for about 10 days and haven't been able to keep it to myself. So far we've told our parents and I've told a couple of my close friends. Like TDB says if something does go wrong, you'll need their support. I'm having my first scan this evening and am soooo excited!! Looking forward to finding out how far along I am so I can figure out my EDD.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2012 - 11:49
Postive Paws sell them as well. They are on Umm Sequim street next to Marina. I have one of these too and I love them! It makes a real difference when walking the dog.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 10:34
Thanks DubaiCat! Beebee32, congrats! Nice to know there are others who are due around the same time. Booked in for scan early next week. Very excited!! Don't want to sound like a winger, but this morning sickness really is something else. It lasts all day and I can't keep anything down aside from a little flat 7up... Very glad I don't work as I'm not sure how I would have managed. Just want to make sure I don't become dehydrated!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 17:14
Thanks TDB. I had a bloodtest at the Dr's as I didn't believe the home pregnancy tests. :) According to the test I am five weeks along, but not sure as last period was August... Can they tell from a bloodtest how far along you are? I got the feeling, they used the date of my last period, added on period and then took conception date two weeks from that date. If that makes sense. I'm going to book first scan for after Eid at local clinic and will then move to City, I hope. One of the Obgyn's there gets very good feedback on EW and I look forward to meeting her. June does seem such a long way away! Will wait a little longer with starting thread, as I'd like confirmation of my due date first.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 16:31
Thanks for your advise. I know it's still early days, but it just seems like such a jungle out there! Checked with insurance and they cover pretty much any hospital up to a certain amount. Was just surprised when I phoned a couple of hospitals to make an appointment and was told earliest opening was towards end of November!!! Not sure I can wait that long... Maybe I should just book my first scan at the local medical centre and then by the time they have time at the other hospitals it should be 11/12 weeks. Have figured out that City, American and Welcare seem the best hospitals to go to. This is my first pregnancy (can you tell ;) ) and it is just a little overwhelming and the system here is quite different from back home.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 12:15
If I were you I wouldn't travel for those weeks that your DH is away. It will make you feel more displaced and it will prevent you from building up anything here. Perhaps you could choose to stay in DXB for two or three months and try to build up your activities. Start with meeting some more ladies/mums either at nursery or at one of the many coffee mornings. Secondly do some volunteer work with animals as you've said you feel passionate about that. Lastly find a hobby that you can do at home, while you are not busy looking after your LO. Personally, unless you enjoy housework and get great satisfaction from it, I would get an agency maid to come in once/twice a week. That way, you will have time to do what you want. Good luck!! As Green-ish has said, a lot of your enjoyment will follow once you've made some friends.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 14:17
Lol! I think I might have to start writing notes like that. Neighbours on the one side are great, not so much on the other side...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 20:04
My friend tried exotic and they only want 3 or more hours... It is not because of the price that we only want it for an hour, we just need one to take us from one location to the next, so one hour is plenty...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 17:46
Can anybody recommend a company that will rent out their limo for 1 hour? All the companies I've looked at, seem to only do 3 hours or more. TIA!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 09:03
That's awful! I hope the cyclist is okay. The problem is that the cyclist shouldn't have been there. People drive very fast along that bit and it's not a cycle path. They have built a proper cycle path further up the road, however to get there you need to either cycle along al qudra road, or drive to the roundabout where you can then park which kind of defeats the point...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 16:44
AC's are off too, apart from the one in our bedroom at night. Can't wait till we can start sleeping with the door open again!!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 09:43
If you can wait another month or so, then global village will reopen. There are always some great art pieces there. Check out Iraq.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 13:51
I don't but am surprised at the amount of recipes call for use of these. They seem to be mostly recipes from the US. Wonder if they are sponsored by the soup companies, lol. If I want something to be creamy, or rich I'd rather make a quick white sauce and flavour that with real herbs or spices rather then use a packet like that where I don't recognise the ingredients as being real food.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 18:04
Thanks October. Will come round for a cuppa next week, but will come without the black monster :) Hope everything is okay? I'm going to go with the Epsom recommendation as long as I can also find cartridges. Fingers crossed!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 17:59
Thanks ladies, will see if I can find some online reviews for the printers mentioned. Then I'll have to go through the process of finding the right one and the cartridges... :D
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 13:20
Thank you so much ladies! The table 9 one is a little out of my price range, but the top chef one looks perfect!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 11:47
Thanks ishehere. I've looked at their workshops but I didn't see any bread baking and that's what my friend would like to do the most. If we can't find that then the sweet things workshop looks promising.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 15:38
Wow, passed it just in time then. Was wondering why it was so busy there as I drove from MOE to Dubai Mall. Just wanted to add, didn't actually go to Dubai Mall, just passed it. Wouldn't want people to think I spend my days shopping! <em>edited by muurtje on 27/09/2012</em>
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 15:29
Went back today and got my money back without any problems. :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 15:22
From what I understood there are two parkings in that area. I parked away from Spinneys, so that was why? I just felt cheated and I'm very sorry but 20AED and hour for parking is excessive!! I don't feel like going back there and complaining. I only met my friends there because it is more convenient for them. Think next time we will meet at the Madinat instead.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 10:51
I went for dinner at the Walk yesterday evening. I parked in the underground parking garage. I was early and walked around for a little bit. In the end we went for dinner at Reem Al Bawadi. It was lovely. I spent four hours there and had my parking ticket validated. I expected to have to pay for two hours as this was what it said on the signs. I was very surprised to then be told that Reel Al Bawadi was not part of 'this parking' and therefore I had to pay for four hours. I did complain, but as there were cars behind me I felt I had no choice but to pay and drive off. As they charge 20AED an hour!!!!, this was a costly evening. I do not mind paying for parking, but this is excessive. I was informed that there is a sign at the entrance of the parking stating which restaurants fall under their parking validation. Needless to say I will not return. It is a real shame as the Walk is a great idea, but without reasonable parking I would rather go elsewhere.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:07
Soup. The ideal meal. It's quick, easy and healthy. Roast tomato Lentil Chicken and noodle Fish soup Broccoli with blue cheese Leek with caramelised apples and goats cheese Carrot and butternut
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 15:51
I think I'm just going to have to give it a try. I did try them on, but they also let you try them on in the shop. They disinfect the metal before, so it's not really a hygiene issue. I just hope they will refund my husband rather then telling us we can only pick something else out. Will have to see who it goes. :)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 13:26
Not a very healthy one, but great as a party snack. Beetroot spring rolls. Mix finely grated beetroot with chopped spring onions, feta and labneh. Put a small dollop of the mix on a 'wonton' pastry sheet and roll up like a spring roll. Deep fry until golden brown.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 08:54
If I really need my friends to be somewhere on time, we call it 19.00 Dutch time, but often if I want people to be there around 19.00 I will say it starts at 18.30. Works a treat every time. I don't mind waiting 10-15 min, but any longer and I get a bit cranky.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 19:42
All I can do is offer you sympathy. It's always hard when someone close to you leaves. Despite FB, e-mail, skype etc it won't be the same. However you will hopefully find that if and when you see each other again you can pick up right where you left off. Just take your time to get over your 'loss'. Depending on how close you were it might be really bad, but remember that there are many new friends to be made. Not to replace her, but to add to your circle.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 12:25
I might have a different solution for you then hiring a part-time nanny. You can e-mail me at dubai muurtje at gmail dot com
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 22:51
Close to the bank and the black&white dry cleaners.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 21:26
The little bakery in Motor city does an amazing sour dough loaf.
 
 
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