Pipititimous | ExpatWoman.com
 

Pipititimous

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 16:42
Well Done! I am sure it will get easier the more you do it :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 00:37
I struggle with eye drops and eye test ( when they blow air in your eyes). I literally have to be pinned down on the floor to get eye drops applied. So, cannot even contemplate the thought of having an operation for something like this. Although, I would love to have super long and thick lashes.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 22:31
Hi Bambi, I cannot comment on nurseries, sorry. But we are in the same boat as you are. My husband is already in Dubai and we are in UK and will be joining him after my little boy finishes school for summer. It is difficult not having my husband with us and I do get lonely, but I know we are doing the right thing. We are going to visit during Easter holidays and hopefully in June as well, so it's not really that bad. Also, your husband will be really busy in the first 6 months, so it makes it easier for him to just get on with work etc without worrying about how you are settling etc. I would recommend you waiting at least a few months before joining him. Best luck to you all
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 17:29
Got it, you can delete now. I will email you now :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 16:10
I hope you find something that helps you. I am dreading this as my hair is quite fine and I have to wash it everyday because they get greasy. I dont think I will have any hair left once I arrive to Dubai :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 16:07
My boy used to be quite sensitive when he was a toddler and still is but not as bad as it used to be. Even now,, he prefers to play with girls at school as some boys can be a bit boisterous at the age of 5. As far as "telling other kids off" - I do it. Obviously in a nice and polite way. But I would also tell my kids off if they misbehaved. I see it as a discipline and an important part of learning rather than an interference. 2/12 is a bit young to be left to fend for oneself IMO. <em>edited by Pipititimous on 22/02/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 15:54
Give me your email address and I will ask my husband if he is able to do it for you, depending if he has the equipment at home.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 19:50
Another one renting out from Dollar. The cheapest we could find
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 18:03
I dread to think how bad my daughter's skin would get if I showered her twice a day. She has a very sensitive skin and gets eczemas easily, so showering her twice a day would dry her skin out. Once before bed is enough in my opinion. It off course depends on the kids age and the time of the year. But at the age of 3 and 5 , I really do not think they they need to shower/bath more than once in a warm climate... I know everyone has their own opinion and merits but showering your kids after a number 2 is just plain weird.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 14:12
LOL, some of my favourites that mum used to say to me : Don't sit on a cold floor, you will get a bladder infection Don't go outside with wet hair, you will catch meningitis
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 19:27
Mine is in reception too and will be turning 5 this week. Although, I think school has only just started teaching them addition ( winter term), he has known the basics months ago.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 13:45
thanks ladies! i'm buying in Plumstead/ Greenwich area, so ideally need an agent close by. I was thinking of having the agent just find me a tenant (do the contract/ deposits) and then have my family manage the property as they are not too far away. Would you suggest against this? Am definitely keen to look at different options In this case, I would not have the property managed. It is only useful if you live far away or if you do not want to have to do any supervising yourself. This will be a lot cheaper for you. Barnard Marcus Kennington office will cover your area ( i think) if you want to contact them. Try to push for 7-8% lettings fee. This can be paid upfront annually or monthly from your rent.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 13:36
thanks mushypeas. Do you by any chance know what the average cost is to find a tenant? the agent i'm buying the property through wants 1 month rent ++, thought that was quite steep... they didnt charge me anything to find a tennant ?! its in their interest to find a tennant so that they can start getting paid from your rent. I went with Baker Pearce as they were charging less commision. I also had HAART look around but they wanted 10%. I think that Sam80 meant a lettings fee which you can either pay monthly from the rent received or as a one off payment annually. You paid your lettings fee on a monthly basis. It's the same thing. Oh I get you. yes they charge what the call ' a management fee' From what I know, management fee is for actually managing the property if you have chosen the service. Lettings fee is for finding the tenant.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 13:27
thanks mushypeas. Do you by any chance know what the average cost is to find a tenant? the agent i'm buying the property through wants 1 month rent ++, thought that was quite steep... they didnt charge me anything to find a tennant ?! its in their interest to find a tennant so that they can start getting paid from your rent. I went with Baker Pearce as they were charging less commision. I also had HAART look around but they wanted 10%. I think that Sam80 meant a lettings fee which you can either pay monthly from the rent received or as a one off payment annually. You paid your lettings fee on a monthly basis. It's the same thing.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 12:25
Hi Sam80, I used to work for an estate agents, so hopefully I can help you. I would strongly suggest you choose estate agents who provide property management ( I am assuming that you are living in Dubai). Letting fees vary but my previous employer would charge anything from 7% to 10% of annual rental price. Don't be shy to negotiate. Estate agents in branches would do anything to get a sale. As far as property management is concerned, you basically pay about 2-3% of rental price monthly/quarterly and the agents take care of all the maintenance issues, gas safety inspections, property inspections etc. They have a list of labourers on their list that they use who are able to visit the property in cases of emergency, although you do not have to use their contractors. I used to work for Barnard Marcus and used to manage London properties. Which area is your property located? I could give you the details of the local branch if you want.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 18:32
I would rather people "brag" about their kids than constantly complain and rant on facebook.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 22:41
I am coming to Dubai :D
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 22:39
Mine was fine today, but had problems logging in a few days ago.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 22:38
Depends. Weekdays, we would eat our dinner around 7pm once my husband is back from work. Kids would eat earlier - around 5pm because they go to bed at 7pm. On the weekends or days off, we all eat together and this would be around 5.30 pm. If we dine out or have people round dinner, it would usually be between 7-8pm. I personally prefer eating earlier. I hate the feeling of going to bet still feeling full.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 01:34
Hi there, I am in a similar position. My eldest boy who is nearly 5 is an angel and my little girl age 3 is a cheeky little devil. It must be the second child syndrome! I personally, do not think it is a massive problem. Yes, DD2 gets told off a lot more often, but then I think she can take it. She is very confident and thick skinned - the complete opposite to our little boy.( Although she is still polite and has no behavioral problems at her little school) . I put this down to the difference in personalities. You asked if you should spend more time with your youngest. I spend more time with my little girl than I do with my son. So, in my case, this really has nothing to do with attention seeking. My both kids go to bed at the same time ( which is 6.30 - 7.00pm) - so lack of sleep is also out of question. I am not really sure how the youngest of yours in naughty exactly, but if it is just the cheekiness, than I would not worry. They can't all be the same. As long as they seem happy enough - than I would just accept the fact that one is slightly more challenging than the other.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 23:35
I use this site a lot when I am stuck for lunch box ideas http://www.flickr.com/photos/mslil65/sets/72157601755804789/with/1719666869/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 21:37
Hilton Green Park hotel is lovely. Spent a few nights there and loved it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 18:14
I must have been very unlucky then; as I was very disapointed with the Marhaba service. I arrived early morning with a baby and 2 hand bags from Terminal 2. I have booked specifically this service for the fast lane at the customs and to help me carrying my stuff. The lady did not even help me carrying my bags, nor opened their strollers, nor greeted me, nor offered any sort of help. She was pointing out the elevator, the stroller cabinet, the custom, the carriers, etc (which were obvioulsy exposed) What a waste of money especially when there was no queue at the custom counters :( That's weird. We had a lady and a man. The lady was showing the way and the guy took all our luggage for us and put all of them into taxi. We did not have to lift a finger.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 14:04
We used Marhaba as well and they were brilliant!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 13:14
We started at 6 weeks, but it was a special baby swimming program
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 00:16
I have to disagree with you on the comment most students have a part time work in London. Unfortunately that is not the case and many will not be given work because they are students . Companies have so many applying for jobs in London for very few positions. Depending on what student course they are taking may vary the amount of time they have to work a part time job. and have time to research and study to get a good result. The current market is a very different place and the past number of years is such a different environment in London. to 3 years ago. the I just need some advice on what the average help from Mum and Dad amounts to? The University where my son studies recommends £220 per week whereas some of my friends who have children there find it outrageous and the average they recommend is 500, which should be enough for all expenses apart from the accommodation which we pay separately. I didn't want to hijack the pocket money thread and hence my thread appeared.;-) If £220 excludes rent and study costs than I think this is more than enough for a student to live on. £500 a week would equal to about £36000 wage ( with all the tax taken into account). Most students do not earn that kind of money straight after finishing uni and they have to pay rent themselves, so I believe this would teach them nothing about how to live in a real life. No, no, we are talking about £500 per month. Oh..:) I think 500 a month is enough. I would rather give them less and see how they manage on it first and then increase if the reasons for it are valid. If your son/daughter decided that they cannot live on the given allowance, maybe they can then find a little part time jobs to top it up ( most students work part time in London) I agree with you to a certain extent. However, I was not talking about positions relevant to the courses students take (not sure if that is what you mean) . There are lots of restaurants and hotels etc in London who constantly look for part time workers. It is when students finish studies and then start looking for jobs, when it becomes extremely difficult. Companies prefer experience over a degree nowadays. What I do agree with you is that not all courses and universities are flexible enough in order to allow students to work part time. I know that some more prestigious universities do not allow students to work at all.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 23:45
I just need some advice on what the average help from Mum and Dad amounts to? The University where my son studies recommends £220 per week whereas some of my friends who have children there find it outrageous and the average they recommend is 500, which should be enough for all expenses apart from the accommodation which we pay separately. I didn't want to hijack the pocket money thread and hence my thread appeared.;-) If £220 excludes rent and study costs than I think this is more than enough for a student to live on. £500 a week would equal to about £36000 wage ( with all the tax taken into account). Most students do not earn that kind of money straight after finishing uni and they have to pay rent themselves, so I believe this would teach them nothing about how to live in a real life. No, no, we are talking about £500 per month. Oh..:) I think 500 a month is enough. I would rather give them less and see how they manage on it first and then increase if the reasons for it are valid. If your son/daughter decided that they cannot live on the given allowance, maybe they can then find a little part time jobs to top it up ( most students work part time in London)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 22:56
I just need some advice on what the average help from Mum and Dad amounts to? The University where my son studies recommends £220 per week whereas some of my friends who have children there find it outrageous and the average they recommend is 500, which should be enough for all expenses apart from the accommodation which we pay separately. I didn't want to hijack the pocket money thread and hence my thread appeared.;-) If £220 excludes rent and study costs than I think this is more than enough for a student to live on. £500 a week would equal to about £36000 wage ( with all the tax taken into account). Most students do not earn that kind of money straight after finishing uni and they have to pay rent themselves, so I believe this would teach them nothing about how to live in a real life.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 22:19
Anyone has a DH who finishes milk or butter or ketchup etc and puts the empty container back in the fridge?? Oh that's usually me..... ooops :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 21:58
I thought I was the only one with a husband like this lol Mine also never checks the cupboards before food shopping, so we end up with like 3 bottles of ketchup and 4 bags of frozen veg that do not fit in the freezer!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 13:24
This has happened to me...hmmm with both kids I should say...OMG that sounds terrible and makes me sound like the worst mother ever. In both instances it was a complete accident, kids can just surprise you sometimes. Anyways. like you, they both just cried for a couple of minutes and then were completely fine. I wouldn't worry at all. I don't know how people can be so casual about a baby falling off the bed! Sorry... I am sure the OP is worried enough about her baby without judgmental comments like this...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 13:23
LZ, please don't beat yourself about it. Accidents happen. As other ladies suggested, keep an eye on the baby, but I am sure it will all be fine.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 23:52
Or people who actually aim for your mouth! Thank God I don't kiss men lol.. Or old ladies :p My MIL is a mouth kisser. *Gags* I greet her from a safe distance. Actually when did all this kissy kissy business start. I'm not a hugger or a kisser but my friends all seem to have developed this air-kissing malarky. It feels uncomfortable and I go through the motions not to appear rude... but seriously what's wrong with a "Hello" ?????!!! LOL Couldn't agree more. The worst one is when you give a kiss and it appears that another person is actually a "twice" or "three times" kisser, so you end up having a little awkward dance!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 19:20
I somehow have the feeling that he is not handsome... Sounds like he's from North of England! ( "well handsome") lol, I understood it as a guy who forgot the comma, as in: "Well, handsome guy..." Your scenario is probably a more realistic one he he
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 18:04
I somehow have the feeling that he is not handsome... Sounds like he's from North of England! ( "well handsome")
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 17:22
And since this is a question about 'secret' crushes, I get wildly inappropriate crushes when I'm pregnant that make me cringe post baby. This pregnancy, I've been casting a glad eye over .....Justin Bieber. I'll get my coat. ha ha ha
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 17:06
Ashton Kutcher...not really sure why though When I was little I used to have a crush on Ricky Martin. I even had a dream that he adopted me and I moved into his house! Oh dear...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 15:59
This happened at MOE in december. It was so ... odd that I honestly thought for a while that she was just trying to mess with me. Me: Is there a santa in this mall? Info Woman: Center for what? Me: Santa, like Santa Claus. Info: Yes, many clothes centers. Me: Not clothes, Claus. Santa Claus, like Christmas? Info: Christmas clothes center? No maam. Me: I mean the man that comes at christmas. He is fat and has a red suit. Saaaannnntaaaa. Info: Center for fat man? No, maybe you give him name I find. Me: That's okay, thanks.... Love it he he! Although, I am sure it was very irritating at the time
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 15:54
Loving this thread ladies! If only we could subscribe to posts though :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 15:52
KG, do you not drink coffee/tea around your kids at all? I would literally die if I had to wait for kids to be out of the house before I could have my first cup of coffee!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 00:38
tell him he must go under your terms, so he can have visitation rights Wow! A bit harsh! No matter what happens between them should it be a divorce or anything else, he will always have the right to see his kids.... Let's not suggest war before anything is decided. <em>edited by Pipititimous on 21/01/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 23:25
Hi there, I am so sorry you are going through this. It must be really tough. This is a very personal situation, so I am not sure I can advise you what to do but just remember that having an affair is illegal in Dubai, so should you decide to tell you husband that you know, it is he who should be scared. You are such a strong and brave woman for managing to keep this to yourself. I know I couldn't... I suppose only you know what your husband is capable of. If you can possibly wait till you come home, then maybe wait...but then you said it was not for sure... The question is: are you prepared to work this out or is it over in your mind? Could you not go home for a few weeks to clear your head and decide your future steps?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 16:54
I have to be honest, I have never heard of anyone washing minced beef either.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 22:09
I am also of an opinion that it is mostly caused by parents and lack of guidance/discipline. My children are still very young but I already see a big difference between them and other children. My kids are thankfully very polite and reasonably well behaved, especially my little boy. He would not associate himself with the naughty kids and can be quite dismissive of them ( in a passive polite kind of way). I hope that they will grow up sticking to their own beliefs as I was when I was a teenager. You cannot expect children wearing appropriate clothing and acting like responsible human beings when their parents are doing the exact opposite which is sadly the case in most situations. I believe this applies to both Dubai and UK. The amount of times I saw woman dressed in barely there clothing was shocking in Dubai. The only difference is that Dubai has a much lower quantity of .....wait for it.....lower level expats ( sic)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 15:26
there are loads of PRO companies that will do pretty much anything for you, but do you mean attestation like Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc, or if it is your attestation of your education certs, have you done all the pre-UAE bits? if you just do a search for PRO companies Dubai on google you will get a whole bunch :) Yes, I meant the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs bit. Thanks, I will look into it. Thank you
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 15:07
Is this possible? I know it is possible to pay a chap to connect Dewa and sort all the paperwork out for you. What about document attestation? Hubby will need to do this pretty quickly, but not sure if he will be able to take a day off from work. Ta
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 12:24
I do exactly what Sirocca does apart from the flipping. I just put the whole pan in the oven and cook it gently, then slide it onto the chopping board before serving. Bon Appetit! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 13:14
I loved RICHARD HAMMOND’S JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE PLANET.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 13:28
I would take her! I am sure she will love playing with other children
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 01:50
I thought what DJ said at the end of her original post was automatic.... lol