sadubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

sadubai

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Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:06
I've done it in Luxor in Egypt and it was enchanted - we got such a fabulos aerial view of the temple. Gave me a sense of perspective I had not had the previous day walking through it. Our basket did not tip over but we did have to crouch down and hold on for landing. I'd do it again but in a location where the aerial view is worth it.
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Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 13:03
I recently saw Dr Nadim Habash in American Hospital. I had initially planned to go to Moorfields but got put off both by the long wait and by some horror stories I heard of folks being given wrong prescriptions due to drs being in a hurry (something I've encountered b4 and has put me off too-busy eye drs). Dr Habash was excellent - very thorough and checked everything. What really won me over was he ended with "you don't need to see me annually, even if it becomes 15 months or so it's fine". I have quite bad myopia and I find it refreshing that a dr does not insist on an annual check up. I don't know if he does kids though.
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Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:14
Not sure what you mean by rings. Are these rings from which the curtains hang or eyelet, in which case the ring, like a shower curtain, is on the fabric. Eyelet is expensive because the rings cost and it needs a lot of fabric. It is easier to open and close than pinch pleats as well as easier to maintain (no pleats opening, etc). My experience at DragonMart recently has been that they don't bargain a lot - maybe 10-15% off original asking. Frankly, fabrics in Satwa can be equally reasonable.
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Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:10
It's a very personal decision. I'd prefer to have someone on board in advance so I've trained them in how I like stuff done - presumably the nanny will help with household chores and not just the baby esp in the first few weeks when the baby will be sleeping a lot and you will be knackered...
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 10:53
I went to a primary only school across the road from where we lived. My parents chose our apt because they wanted us to be able to walk to school (we lived in a big city). I loved the small feel and the proximity to home. For my DS also distance is a big input into my decision-making. I don't want him to have a long commute. I also prefer smaller schools. But, as I posted elsewhere both these considerations are probably secondary to my thought that I will move him at 3 only if I think he is ready - otherwise I will take my chances at 4. Also, we moved to Dubai recently so did not have our name down at JESS or Kings. I can live with that - I agree with Erin that what is best for one may not be for another so don't dwell on it much.
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 10:47
I'm currently grappling with this too. I love the teacher-student ratio in nursery and the intimate feel. My 2.5 year old has 2 British-trained teachers and 1 assistant in his class of 16 (and at that age attendance is normally 75% at most so attention per child is even higher). It is a small nursery where everyone greets him by name the moment we walk in. I registered at schools like JPS which fall in the category of "better take it if you get it at FS1 otherwise you have no chance for FS2". I know JPS is highly regarded but I was very put off by the way the staff taking my application told me this. I've also registered at other schools like JBS and Horizon where I've been told I can decide next year, at assessment time, whether my son is ready for big school or I want to roll over my application and move him at FS2. As others have said, the US system starts at 4 years as do highly regarded schools like DESS and JAPS. Go with your gut, to those who asked the questions. As starsouthern said, some kids are ready for big school, more structure and more challenges. And some are not. <em>edited by sadubai on 16/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 19 July 2012 - 00:14
I'd be happy to. You can mail me. <em>edited by sadubai on 19/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 18 July 2012 - 23:40
Thanks em2San. Have u used them specifically for saris? What material?
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Latest post on 18 July 2012 - 23:37
Coco Chanel, Amarige, JPG for night. Jo Malone and Issey Miyake for day...
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Latest post on 18 July 2012 - 23:36
Ours are being serviced even more often than every 3 months - I know this for a fact because I had to reconfirm this time that it was actually a/c maintenance. I could not believe they were back in around 8 weeks! Our landlord defi believes in prevention...
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Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 12:03
We used propertycare for a bunch of work at our villa including some electrical work. You can reach them on 043395661. Speak to a guy called Suri or Harbhajan.
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Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 11:13
Both. They are available in independent outlets and Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and others carry them too.
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Latest post on 15 July 2012 - 11:11
We ordered Rossovino at home. It was good but sadly got a little soggy...
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Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 20:11
Narjess, schools sadly bring out strong views from everyone. IMHO parents who are sending their kids are in the best position to provide feedback - bearing in mind that different parents are looking for different things from schools. I've heard only positive stuff from parents I know who are sending their kids to JBS - and someone I know chose JBS over ASD because of location and the fact that JBS is much cheaper, among other factors. All the best for your assessment and your final decision - I am sure you will choose what is right for your family.
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Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 19:09
Another fan of Cole Haan with Nike Air technology - as a friend of mine and I joke since discovering them we can finally be "forever in high heels". Are available at Dubai Mall and Marina Mall. Considerably more expensive than the US tho...but then what isn't in Dubai :(
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Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 09:10
Big fan of Dr Loubser as a paediatrician if you don't get daunted by how busy he is, the fact that he takes Sat and Sun off and does not share a mobile or pager number for emergencies...
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Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 09:06
I have one Jamie Oliver and one Tefal and the Tefal is far superior. I also have some cheap Ikea ones which I replace every few months - they are cheap and cheerful but IMHO not made to last.
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 10:13
I don't think my cleaner is very keen. Anyone tried giving them to takemyjunk? Calling them for a bunch of stuff next week...
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 10:06
I reckon it would also depend on how much one opens windows. We have friends who never open theirs, summer or winter because of noise. Their curtains prob stay much cleaner than ours... <em>edited by sadubai on 28/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 10:00
Too late for OP but we loved Al Nafoorah at Emirates Towers. Great food though no ambience...
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 09:56
I've had 2 nightmare tests (failed :() with female examiners who comp stressed me out. Was ready to take on the 2nd one when she lied on my form that she'd allowed me to drive for 15 minutes when she failed me - sitting next to me - after 3. One can get a male instructor if husband gives an NOC but can get a male examiner only if on that particular day the woman examiner scheduled for the test does not come in, was what I was told. Must say my DH and a bunch of other male friends had much better luck with male examiners. <em>edited by sadubai on 28/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 09:52
I don't find the fees OTT either - many schools are charging that much. I'd also be interested in feedback - I like the location/campus and the fact that they have a primary years French programme.
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 09:45
I'd second Dr Loubser - we're thrilled with him. Wait lists for first appts can be daunting because he spends 40 minutes on a first appt taking a full history but July could be lean (he's away all of August so call soon) and if you call daily sometimes a slot earlier opens up.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 23:12
We had dinner at Rivington Grill at Souk al Bahar, inside, then moved out to the terrace for dessert and coffee and to watch the fountain show. Was a lovely evening and the food was good.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:49
A variation to using whipped yogurt is to use hung yogurt. Hang the yogurt in a cheesecloth from the tap handle or somewhere else it can safely drip. Let the whey drip out for a couple hours then use the remaining creamy yogurt which looks like pudding.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:24
My decision to send my child to a bilingual nursery, esp bilingual with Mandarin would be entirely based on the quality of the teachers. Mandarin is a very difficult language to learn, even in places like Hong Kong and Singapore. In this part of the world the problem of learning it is compounded by how little the child will hear the language spoken and how limited the exposure to the language will be outside the class. I've seen kids study Mandarin for years and then just drop it because it is so hard.
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 17:02
I ordered online from the US and had them delivered. Are not heavy. I used drugstore.com but I am sure many folks keep them.
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 15:14
I have a couple of ant hills thus loads of small ants as well as a few of the big black ones running around in my terra cotta tiled back yard. I have a toddler so need an eco-friendly solution as he likes to run around barefeet there. Any ideas on what works?
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 15:11
Hi. I just emailed you too! Thanks.
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 07:58
FabIndia on Jumeirah Beach Road may have some but only in cotton.
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Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 19:30
My 2-year old has always been a difficult and restless sleeper too. I know CIO works for some but it is not something we believe in. He co-sleeps too, which is something I intend to start working on this year. He naps for 1.5-2 hours daily. This is because I believe in an afternoon nap and I like to keep him up a little later so he gets some time with his father, who works late. His sleep habits have improved since he started nursery from 8:15am-12:15pm because he has a morning routine and playschool tires him out. The big things which have improved his sleep pattern are solids - as his eating has improved I can see his sleeping has too. Also, I try to ensure he has an active afternoon after he wakes up. Until recently he would spend up to 2 hours on his daily park trip. Nowadays I try to ensure I take him for a swim daily in the evening - we're lucky in that our pool does not get direct sun and has a chiller. After his swim we play in the yard. Tiring him out is also important to his night sleep. W.r.to homeopathy I'd only say many of the science related to whether or not they work is in itself questionable. I am a big believer in acupuncture. Many scoff at it. We used the Boiron teething gel and it worked for us. Amber necklaces work for others. Go with your gut, I am a big believer in mother's instincts...trying Quietude or something similar cannot harm.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 09:06
Went for a one-time dekko. Is full of beautiful people desperate to see and be seen :) They have a number of live acts on - some are interesting - they also have little people dancing which is a bit odd.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 08:57
I think they are open all day 7:30am to 11pm. They have a website - http://www.thefarmdubai.com/ - with a map. Plum - sorry for such a late reply. The food is all kinds of eggs, cereal, fruit, create-your-own paninis - the brunch menu is certainly good. I am not sure I'd like it so much for lunch. I recall smoothies being 30-ish and mains 30-40-ish but could be wrong.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 08:50
We had a very good experience at both Table 9 and Petite Maison. Highly recommend both. My only comment would be LPM can be very busy so if you'd prefer something a little more relaxed for your birthday I'd avoid that. Table 9 was lovely. Reflets is high on my list to try!
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 08:38
Thanks stilladviceseeker - must say my disquiet with Smith & Ken is growing. Snoopy10, anyone specific you'd recommend at Acrohouse?
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 00:11
Thanks dudette. Do u feel that it is an elite school - bearing in mind that all international schools suffer from somewhat this problem - given how high the fees is? Someone I know said that hence the question.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 00:09
Thanks ladies. I heard about the Spanish program too but not sure when details will be finalised. It does seem really nice...
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 23:46
Thanks all for your feedback. I had my first interaction with Smith & Ken this afternoon and was not impressed but am trying to keep an open mind. Kuchy, thanks so much and would definitely like to chat - can you drop me an email on sa dot dxb08 at the rate of gmail. Let me know when you get this and I will delete my email. Thanks.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 11:19
Thanks Sizzles and Starsouthern for your feedback. I will ensure I ask for a copy of the MOU from Smith & Ken upfront. So new to all this so all feedback much appreciated. Can anyone else point me in the direction of any other agents?
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 14:23
Thanks Suz&Olivia. Will drop her a mail. Anybody else had any experiences? Thanks.
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:23
Any parents got their kids here? Experiences - positive or negative? The new campus looks amazing...
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 11:54
Mine loves Richard Scarry. He's 2. We seem to read Cars and Trucks and Things That Go daily..he also likes Eric Carle and Dr Seuss. He goes through phases with the "That's Not My" series.
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 11:52
Is a tough one. My toddler son reads some books which were my favourites like Richard Scarry and some newer authors like the Maisy series which did not exist when I grew up. I've inherited some kiddy books and some adult books from my mom - I probably value the adult books more than he values the kiddy books (despite my efforts he is not gentle with his books).
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 10:39
On a completely different note, my ideal school - anywhere in the world - would make allowances for the fact that families move locations nowadays with their kids, maybe by having a small intake quota reserved for such students. It is very frustrating to be told time and again that school lists are closed and we should have applied 2 years ago - when a Dubai transfer was not even on the cards. At some level it is the school's loss - having a mix of students who have lived in different parts of the world can only benefit classroom interaction IMHO.
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 08:56
I have not yet bought them here so did not know they don't carry the wide width. One thing you can do is go to the store and see what styles you like and what size is comfy, then order online via Aramex Shop n Ship - u will still prob save money vis-a-vis Dubai pricing...
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:42
Cole Haan does big sizes and also has a big width - their Nike Air range is very comfy too. Mostly my high heels are from their range now. The selection in the US is however much better than here - and, of course, cheaper!
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 15:59
Mine need re-soling too so I googled this recently. I'm planning to try The Cobbler. It's in Gate Building in DIFC. Someone else posted about changing shoe colour and they do that too.
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 11:51
Is your husband going to be in South Delhi or Gurgaon? Distance is quite large. There is a shop called Meena Bazaar in a mall called Ansal Plaza. The same shop also has a branch in Sahara Mall in Gurgaon. Check out their website. South Extension market has a few shops which sell unstitched suits like Ushnak Mal and Vichitra.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 12:28
Not unstitched but Ritu Kumar has stuff similar to what you've described. Check their website www.ritukumar.com. Prices at their shops in Delhi are cheaper than the web. They have outlets in South Delhi.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 12:26
We bought Hitachi and are happy with the decision. Very efficient cooling (as with aircons in Japanese cars) and user-friendly design. I'd avoid Fisher Paykel - the company is in a mess and the brand was even on sale a while ago.