Nayls85 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Nayls85

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Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 17:22
I think there's still a little stretch of Umm Suqeim beach left...admittedly it's not as nice as it used to be as there is construction all around.
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Latest post on 17 October 2014 - 17:19
I have also done it, lost a few hundred dirhams and got caught in the middle of some unpleasant arguments. So yes, I "lost" the request this year (i.e. didn't volunteer). Don't be judgmental please. It doesn't mean I have an attitude and make the class mum's job unpleasant - if anything I try my hardest not to step on people's toes and I ensure I am prompt with payments/contributions as I know what a hassle it can be. Anyway, I hope our discussions don't put people off, I'm sure there are many who had really positive class mum experiences, and like scaralex said it really does differ between schools, year groups etc.
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 23:56
One becomes a class mom if one has an interest in doing more for their children's education than dropping them off and picking them up again at the end of the day (unless your maid does that for you). Parents who can't be bothered because they are too busy doing something else (gym, coffee, shopping?) are unbelievable. Is it really too much effort to do a little extra? Of course. I agree with what you are saying. There is also the other end of the spectrum - the mums who work, juggle other young children and already dedicate hours to the school(s), just not in a class mum role. So yes, those people shouldn't feel bad about not wanting to be class mum....
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 19:32
At our school, they sent a note in children's school diaries asking for a volunteer. I "lost" mine
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 15:47
Is lip filler like Botox? Do you have to keep doing it every so often or once you do it the results stay for a long time? Curious ?
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 15:42
If I were looking for a bit more of a special dinner then Rivington, if more casual then carluccios, still has direct view of the fountain, kiddie menu and colouring set etc
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Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 15:41
Al Quoz is interesting for photos - along with labour accommodation there's also lots of random warehouses hosting anything from car workshops to gyms, coffee distribution, craft houses, 2nd hand antiques, cemetery etc
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Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 13:21
We pay ours 30dhs per hour and then small tip, I think 30-40dhs per hour is the norm...
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Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 16:50
My son goes to FS2 in Safa Community School, happy there so far. It's got lots of lovely play areas, equipment, and we're very happy with our teacher and teaching assistant, they came over recently from the UK and are great with the children. Our class size is only 13 as well, but I do expect this will increase year to year. It's not as far as some people think. I live in Jumeirah and I can get there in about 13 mins (without speeding!), if Meydan Heights is in Meydan then I expect it shouldn't take you much longer as Al Khail will be a close highway. They do have school buses for young ones too, children in my son's class use it (they are 4-5 year olds) hope this helps
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Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 15:40
Love Mekong at Anantara Palm, beautiful place and good food. Not a steakhouse though. Also meat company and rivington fit the not too fancy or too casual bill. I thought centre cut at Ritz was very pricey, I don't mind paying for a great steak but I didn't think it was any better than some of the other places.
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Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 15:35
I stumbled upon a Zaks at concord tower, motor city. Bought the printed name labels there, the ones you iron on. I think next time though I will get the sew-in ones, these ones are already starting to peel off...
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 20:00
Sorry to hijack - but for the beachcombers brunch, does anyone know what sort of entertainment there is for the children? Or can they play/swim on the beach? Thanks OP- a few people have mentioned to me a family brunch which is like a picnic and the children can run around outside, do sports etc but I can't remember the name! Hopefully others might shed some light!
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 12:42
We often have visitors staying with us, often for over a week and a lot of the time families. We would never ask or expect for contributions to groceries or take aways (even though sometimes feeding an additional 4 people for 2 weeks can hit or budget quite hard!). When it comes to meals out or events however we mostly split, although our guests do often treat us as a thank you, which again is nice but not expected. If it is my parents, siblings or in-laws we do like to treat them. It's very small gesture considering what they had to put up with in raising us!
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Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 21:30
that's unbelievable! What nerve! I would make sure your neighbours also go to Rera....I really hope none of the tenants are scared into paying this ridiculous made up charge.
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Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 20:21
I find it hard to think someone would do something like that on purpose. If they did, they are sick and I hope karma hits them 10-fold So sad that animal cruelty isn't punished as much here.
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Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 15:57
Thanks everyone. Good to know that I wasn't over reacting. In fact if anything, I need to take it further.
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Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 15:56
I would go absolutely bananas, if I were in your shoes... Doctor/insurer-patient confidentially is critical and I am shocked that your insurer would send you details of other patients (and presumably they are sharing yours as well.) If it were me, I would chase it up to the highest level as well as sending to the Ministry of Health. It was the clinic that sent it to me...I will follow this up
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Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 10:14
I saw that too. I hope you find someone great :)
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Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 10:12
There are so many things here that are said to be illegal, or rules that aren't enforced or just semi-enforced. From flat sharing to dress codes to public drunkenness to using non agency babysitters/cleaners....I guess many people do it but personally I just err on the side of caution.
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Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 10:06
J3 mall has kiddocuts, think it's 45 or 50dhs, they have cartoons on and toys... Cheeky monkeys in Al Barsha Mall has a children salon as part of their play group, similar price, they have little car chairs for the children to sit in whilst getting hair cut.
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Latest post on 20 September 2014 - 15:26
I really like it here for my children. I have two young boys, one in school and one in nursery. They have friends from different nationalities, and are part of a culture which they wouldn't experience back 'home'. I also feel safer here. Our boys love it here as there is so much to do in terms of activities - yes it gets expensive, and schooling is expensive too, but but there is also lots of things for them to do that costs very little, or nothing. Main concern (personally) is that I would worry about my children getting spoilt. Obviously trying our best as parents to ensure this doesn't happen. Other concern is that it's really difficult to be a working Mum especially if you don't have someone to help you at home.
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 07:25
Mrsb I'd love to have my own chickens one day, but probably when we have lots of outdoor space and my husband is a massive meat addict so would have to deter him from eating them! How many eggs a month can one chicken lay?
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Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 17:40
Really happy with Safa Community School so far. It opened a week late but it wasn't too much of a disaster - I was expecting it to open even later to be honest. They are making up the lost days as well during summer term. So far the teachers and staff I have met are all very warm and helpful, my son has loved going to school this week. Parking hasn't been an issue at all, I thought it would take a long time but door to door from Umm Suqeim to Safa (near ranches) takes me less than 15minutes. And no I'm not a speed demon ;)
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Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 06:50
Just be careful as there is plain Tylenol and also Tylenol with codeine.
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Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 11:16
@Daza and @RachelA I want to go buy some now! How does It cope with sweat though? I see it's gel based and I don't want it streaking down my face if I'm out and about! Thanks
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Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 11:13
When I was involved in high level sport/powerlifting we were always told to take ZMA which is a zinc magnesium complex. Magnesium has been known to aid with recovery, there's solid research out there and lots of anecdotal evidence of it aiding sleep. Topical magnesium sprays has also shown some good results. Should be able to get mag from supplement stores, like the ones you get whey protein from, but usually I order mine in UK.
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Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 21:32
Thanks both. Will make a trip tomorrow :)
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Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 16:33
I actually saw some safety goggles in Ace hardware (Al Quoz) today. Not sure if they have children specific sizes, but worth taking a look
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 14:20
Izzy I see admin deleted your other thread. I'm still curious as to what TNT stands for
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 14:19
well she found him not guilty of premeditated murder, but verdict on other charges still to come
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 12:43
Judge Masipa seems to be going that way doesn't she...
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 12:32
The provisions are in place for it to last up to two days, but according to the Telegraph the judge is going through it all quite quickly so large chance verdict will be today.
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 11:29
Husband has been away on business the whole week and both my little boys have been at home as school started late. So tonight, I'm sprinting out the door the second he gets home and heading for the gym followed by dinner with some girl friends. Sanity hopefully to return shortly.
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 11:24
In London our upstairs bathroom was supplied by a water tank, not mains, and I used to tell my stubborn husband off for filling his glass from there in middle of night as he was too lazy to go downstairs to the kitchen. However, the discovery of a dead rotting pigeon carcass in the tank was far more effective at stopping him than my nagging! I use bottled for cooking, kettle and drinking here. Sometimes the tap runs a weird brown colour, no way I'm drinking that!
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Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 10:12
Got our travel cot from carrefour MoE , and a little mattress (as travel cots I find are too hard) from Babyshop in Oasis mall, which also sold the travel cots themselves
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Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 18:53
Definitely go to Oasis Mall, as ladies have suggested below it has Max, F&F, New Look etc
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 21:36
Thanks ladies. I love the climbing idea! They need to be over 140 cm to do it. Don't know about the other places but For just the climbing wall itself at adventure hq they don't...my son is 108cm, has been twice.
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 20:33
Avdm159 I'm starting out in this as a hobby, have been on a few courses and just generally playing around taking as many different photos in different settings as I can. What do you do if you are starting out? I would have thought offer your services for free ( but I wouldn't be anywhere near comfortable doing a wedding though at this stage, as you rightly say it is a huge day and I wouldn't want the pressure in case it's not what the person is looking for) Annisoptera - I hope you find someone. For my wedding I had an amateur photographer (family friend) for free but also paid a lot of money for professional photographer / videographer. The family friend took some fantastic photos as she knew the family dynamic, knew most of the guests quite well so she captured some great moments. Maybe see if there's anyone within your aquaintances who can do it. But if you do want more than potentially amateur photos, go with word of mouth.
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 10:37
Or rock climbing...adventure HQ have a climbing wall and a sort of sky trail obstacle course. If use entertainer vouchers it works out as 50dhs for two children. I haven't been to kidzania yet, was going to go with my 4yo but would have worked out at over 150dhs and he would probably lose interest after an hour.
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 09:41
Agree with the comments re Dymatize ISO 100 I tend to bake with those kind of protein powders that don't taste as smooth, the banana flavour esp goes great in protein muffins or pancakes
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 06:57
IMO Good quality whey will have a high percentage protein and very little of the artificial sweeteners, some have TONS of sugar and carbs - for my needs I wouldn't get anything below 80%. I like Optimum Nutrition gold standard whey, mixes well and tastes good. If I want a very low carb one then I use Diamatise
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 17:59
Oooh that grates on me too. Even if it is pure fruit juice it is still very high in sugar, just a different form and still illicits similar insulin response. Would rather they eat a piece of fruit, less total sugar than a glass of juice, more satiating, get the vits mins but also get the fibre too which isn't in pressed juices. A lot of restaurants / eateries still have a long way to go with regards to healthy child nutrition options
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 16:50
Have bought them before from spinneys Umm Suqeim, but totally overpriced (I'm used to buying them from Asia)
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 14:10
Yes, some play areas do. There's one at Ibn Batutta, drop off is from 3 yrs I think. Ikea has a 1 hour free creche at Mirdif City Centre. Also peekaboo at MoE though you pay for a 'babysitter' in addition to the entry. Ikea is at Festival City. Little Explorers at Mirdif City Center has 90 minute drop off workshops - not sure if they also offer longer drop offs. oops yes that's right! All starting to blur into one!
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 13:55
Yes, some play areas do. There's one at Ibn Batutta, drop off is from 3 yrs I think. Ikea has a 1 hour free creche at Mirdif City Centre. Also peekaboo at MoE though you pay for a 'babysitter' in addition to the entry.
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 13:52
When I use shredded chicken for salads I like to use shop bought rotisserie chicken if I am pressed for time, and if not then I will roast a buttered/herb marinated whole chicken.
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Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 17:12
No I said "doesn't feel like that (to me)" because my time is split between A) Being in a largely female dominated profession B) doing school runs, play dates, toddler groups etc Ii thought it was surprising as I was expecting well over 50% but not quite 75% (which is higher than when I lived here as a child 20 years ago) . No idea how this translates to me not counting people who work as human beings.
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Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 15:16
I actually don't like going to breakfast unless they have things on menu that I can't easily cook myself, which rules out places that stick to conventional egg Benedict, fry ups, granola, omelettes etc menu Recently discovered Clinton Street Bakery in downtown - amazing and creative breakfast menu with really fresh ingredients. (Think hueves rancheros, waffles with home made butterscotch) Otherwise I like Tom & Serg (though had a couple of average recent trips) and Mozzo for breakfast.
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Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 15:10
I find that surprising, doesn't feel like that (to me.) Thanks for sharing.
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Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 07:50
Yes they have confirmed. They had approval from KHDA to open, was a management decision as far as we were told