sadubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

sadubai

282
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 12:25
We had ours made and are very happy with that decision - it is very sturdy, solid wood and fits the look of our villa and the stairs. There are some threads here about carpenters who make them.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 10:43
Yes, I;m with Kiwispiers on this too. We use the microwave steriliser. Even after being washed with a bottle brush I cannot imagine the double Breast Flow teats we use being ready for use without sterilising.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 10:39
We're very happy with Home Grown.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 10:24
The best whitener I've used is White Brite - it even gets curry stains out of table linen :). It is strong so I would not put delicates or shirts in it too often but for occasional use it works wonders. It is sometimes available at Ace. Else, easy to get in the US. It requires overnight pre-soaking though so is s bit of work. For an easier, rough-and-ready solution I use the Dr Beckmann's sachets which can be put directly into the machine with the load. Neither bleaches logos.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 09:38
I've been twice for brunch and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. The drive in to the restaurant once you turn into Al Barari itself is lovely as one can admire the landscaping. We sat outside both times and the leisurely feel and calm was a welcome change. Our brekkie was good - great smoothies. Fresh passion fruit! Went to the nursery and got some plants the 2nd time and they were so helpful and delivered.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 09:32
If you like soups, Soupilissimo delivers great, healthy, homemade soups. He is on FB.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 15:49
I posted this recently on someone else's question so sorry to those who already read it. I bought a KitchenAid years ago in Bangkok and was shocked to find when we moved locations that their warranty is country-specific. In Hong Kong Kitchen Aid service was not easy. I now stick to brands which have good service worldwide.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 15:46
Many countries are visa on arrival in HK ie you don't need a visa, you get a 14 day visa stamp at entry. Are you sure you need one in advance? Check this website: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm,
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 10:55
Moonkitty, did you find it? And if yes can you post further details pl? Birthday coming up...yikes! TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 08:16
I was actually a bit disappointed the day I went. I am very keen on the bilingual approach but I found the interiors of the school looking a little shabby and tired. The majority of the French class was sitting around a laptop watching a dvd. The teacher seemed lovely but I did not see her teaching. And I could not see the Arabic class...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 23:34
I love O'de Rose on Al Wasl Road in Umm Suqeem though it is expensive...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 09:13
Check the service and warranty. I was shocked to find a few years ago that the warranty on the Kitchen Aid blender I bought was country-specific.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 07:38
Bump...someone pl? TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 16:52
We move frequently and always change our toilet seats - it's kind of a pet peeve of both DH and me. If our ll does not agree we just pay ourselves. I found Ace cheaper than Ikea for their cheapest ones but the Ace quality was quite flimsy - I bought one and that was the feedback my contractor gave which I then saw myself too. Good point about measurements. Our guy got ours from Satwa - he said it is cheaper than DragonMart. They seem fine...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 23:04
We moved to Dubai recently and I started my son in a nursery starting Jan. I looked at The Children's Garden at the time but as my son was not then 2 it was not an option. My son has an excellent vocabulary for his age and the multi-lingual nature of TCG was very attractive. However, I wanted him to start in nursery ASAP because we were new and this was a way for him to settle in and build a community so I put him elsewhere. I am very happy with his nursery and he has settled in well. I am now doing the rounds of schools I am increasingly finding many of my preferred schools (JESS etc) we are too late to apply for FS1 or even FS2. I am now toying with the idea of leaving him in a nursery until FS2 or even Year 1 to improve my chances of getting a school I want - I also much prefer the student-teacher/carer ratio in nursery so feel if I am not getting a school of my choice I'd rather he goes to a good nursery where he has expert care and instruction. I am therefore thinking again about moving him to TCG maybe in Sept this year or then next year where he can continue for longer and get the multii-lingual exposure I want for him and I feel he will do well with. I am torn however as he is now well settled in his existing nursery. My dilemma is compounded by the fact that I am not sure his existing nursery is somewhere I'd like to leave him for 2-3 years - I had thought he'd be there until he was 3. I'd welcome any advice...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 22:26
The Maisy books - we started with the board books and have moved on to the paperbacks. Big hit. Eric Carle Richard Scarry books - again we started with the board books but moved on to story books Dr Seuss books
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 18:35
We chose Homegrown too - we narrowed it down to Homegrown and Willow. I saw Blossoms and Children's Garden too. Eco-friendly was one input into our decision. We appreciated things like every child planting a gaff tree - it is never too young to become sensitive to our environment. We're very happy with the choice.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2012 - 12:53
We also have the Siemens. I got it both because I have space issues (used the space for the drier to install a dishwasher and was a great decision) and I got a good deal on it I rarely need a wash cycle longer than 30-40 minutes though it has options which are much longer. I am very happy with the wash cycles - the clothes get very clean. We have yet to use the drier!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 12:19
Thanks Ayda, I hope to be firm - I realise it will be necessary :). THanks both for suggesting front-facing might be the way forward ;). I had been thinking of ordering from the Netherlands site coz DH is traveling to London and I could save some money doing that - I guess I could go and try a few in a shop here first. Would you suggest Just Kidding?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 09:30
I agree with Kelly. Your quote is OK by Dubai standards :) for a job by a professional curtain maker. Curtains are not cheap here. A lot depends on what quality you are looking at, what kind of fabrics you want and the curtains themselves. I paid around the same rate for my curtains which included eyelet in 4 rooms (dark wood rods in two rooms, stainless steel in one and light wood in my DS's room) and 7 blinds in the living room and a huge blind in the staircase landing. I probably overpaid a little but am very happy with the finish and the efficiency.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 08:15
This is a tall order - our preference was a single storey too but finally we did not find one we liked. There are decent 3 bedroom single stories but almost no 4 br. You can call Khurshid at Dubai Real Estate and find out if anything is available in Sheikh Ahmed compound on Al Wasl Road. They are old but have fabulos gardens. Look at the Al Wasl properties website and call them - they have a handful. Arenco also has a couple of compounds. All these guys you can call the owners direct to inquire. <em>edited by sadubai on 01/03/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 23:06
Hi. We recently moved here and I am thinking about a car seat for our toddler now that we have finalised a car. We did not have a car earlier so for almost 2 years he has been unused to a car seat. I've read recos for rear facing car seats and am just wondering how kids take to them. My concern is that he is new to being strapped in and the added newness of facing the back will just freak him out. Any advice on which brand works well for an Audi Q5? Any advice on this whole topic would be much appreciated!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 10:40
I wanted to order some teething gel from iHerb which SweetLily reco'ed on an earlier thread. Do folks normally use the DHL or international shipping option? Price is ballpark the same. TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 10:39
SweetLily, do you use the DHL or international shipping option on iHerb? I need to order some Camilia! TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 22:16
The Allianz policy I had covered IUIs and IVFs to a limit, which was decent. 28000 for an IUI (am assuming that is the insemination process your dr is suggesting) seems very high...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 22:14
I got a great deal on a Siemens washer-drier and dishwasher and am very happy with both. The wash capacity of the Siemens is 5kgs which works well for me as I am big into sorting loads...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 11:03
Thanks, Kelly. If you go again before me :) would be great to know the name though I will try to find it - kind of a Satwa novice. Thanks, Kathy, will check her out.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 10:29
From a blog... Masafi is all about the Friday Market It is the Masafi Friday market, locally known as the Souq al Juma, which attracts visitors to this town. Operational seven days a week, it lives up to its reputation of being one of the most eclectic markets in the country and a visitor would find everything from rugs, antiques and souvenirs to fresh fruits and vegetables. Initially started by Emirati local farmers who stood by the roadside after the Friday prayers to sell their wares its popularity soon acquired phenomenal proportions and success led to the original sellers hiring other nationals to do the selling while they looked after the management. As a result, in the present day version of the market, while Afghanis and Pakistanis sell carpets, mats and shrubs, the Bangladeshis ensure the supply of fruits, vegetables and garden plants. ornate Pottery with local designs is also sold Reputed as being one of the greenest towns in UAE, Masafi may not feature prominently in a travel itinerary but when some prefer brunches in the plush hotels, others may want to check out the market if not for shopping then just for the sake of experiencing its unique atmosphere. Get down to the masafi market – you wont regret it
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 10:24
Ouch. I cannot believe we gave all our dehumidifiers away before we left...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 10:23
Kelly1814, what shop did you find the Missoni fabric at? TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 08:46
My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to post this message in the midst of your grief. You are truly an example.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 08:42
I cannot yet comment about Dubai as we just moved :) but we had ceiling fans installed where we lived earlier and our electricity bills were significantly cheaper. We've done the same here tho are yet to use. Regarding humidity, aircons do have a built-in dehumidify function but unless humidity levels are very high that's not necessary in Dubai I understand - so it is really a time of year thing.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 21:32
Did you ever order it? What size? I am still considering which one to buy...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 21:11
What are the charges like at Cleopatra's and Simply Skin? TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 18:11
We just had one installed so I cannot comment about the maintenance contract. I think one has to be motivated by various things to install a water filter coz getting large water dispensers is an easier option in some ways. The Aquaguard is not cheap - ours cost us 3000 so makes sense with a horizon of a few years. For us the environmental impact was a driver. We've had some teething problem - a leak for example and they've been responsive. But it's early days yet...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:30
We stayed at a boutique property Discovery Shores which was right on the best beach, Station 1. Shangri La was not open then. The beach is GORGEOUS so well worth it to be able to wander out whenever u choose.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:27
I tried Nail Zone on Jumeirah Beach Road recently for 2 pedis. I had one ok and one good attendant. The salon is never very busy which is IMO a plus coz the girls spend more time and appointments are available at short notice.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:50
I did not get my laser done in Dubai. I'd be wary of anyone who promises miracles in 4-6 sessions. As I said the biggest thing which makes a difference is how long you've been "treating" the hair. And on the face it is best to go cautiously coz cases do exist where people's skin has been burnt. Laser technology has improved I hear but not enough for them to guarantee results in a specific number of sessions. IT all depends on your hair quality and your regrowth cycle.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 22:19
If you are thinking of buying private insurance you can consider a bunch of providers. Allianz for example provides maternity cover after 10 months which means you can get pregnant around 6 months after you buy your policy and approx first trimester onwards they will cover almost everything.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 22:12
Laser works best on what technicians call "virgin" hair ie hair which has not been treated. That's why it is reco'ed starting it early. Waxing, threading and all other forms of depilation with the exception of shaving strengthen the roots of the hair which means the laser will take loner. If this is new peach fuzz, it could well be gone forever in 4-6 sessions. I've had it done on my face. In between I was reco'ed to shave - yes, I know sounds gross but that's what they say :). Shaving only cuts hair close to the roots so is best for in betweens. The pain is bearable - often cOMPARED TO A RUBBER BAND SNAPPING ON YOUR SKIn (sorry for caps). It has taken me a long time to get rid of it all coz I threaded for years before finally turning to laser but I'm still very pleased with the results tho.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 20:21
I'm kind of with summerdream and oopsiedaisy. From HK, where we were obliged to send our helper's only once a contract ie once in 2 years, we always sent them annually - I cannot imagine a job where I did not get annual leave or not seeing my family for 2 years...to each his own I guess. <em>edited by sadubai on 19/02/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2012 - 10:41
I debated the same thing then got the roll up one precisely because it can be rolled away very easily and does not take any time to roll open. For a younger one a rolling one might be preferable as they will not have much interest in making it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2012 - 10:40
We had the Ergo baby carrier, with the infant insert for when DS was very little. I loved it and we used the carrier a lot including through a bunch of airports on a trip when we did not carry our stroller. The infant insert can make it warm tho.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 11:14
I need to get mattresses for my DS's bed and the roll out bed with it. I can only take 10cm max for the rollout so was planning to get the same for the main bed. Intercoil does a Ghalya range which I can order - has anyone had a recent experience with them? Or any other ideas where I can get a fairly slim mattress? TIA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:12
With a 3-year old I'd say Disney HK works well. The park is small, not a lot of walking and you can easily manage to do most if not all of it. I'd highly reco you check into one of the Disney hotels for at least 1 if not 2 nights. They are well priced and you get entry tickets for 1 day free if you spend a night which means you can do 2 days in the park and stagger things...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 14:50
Glenfiddich, can I have details of your neighbour? What kind of cake was it?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 20:39
Which clinics charge 100 per visit? We are new and it would be useful to know where to direct my helpers.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 20:37
On a tangent where are the classes? :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 20:35
Thanks - I'd be interested in some details of private sessions. Can u post some here?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 20:31
We're shopping at Union Coop for most stuff and Choithram for fish and meats - we go to the ones on Al Wasl opp Al Safa Park. I've been pleased with the selection at Union but Aline is spot on when she talks about the attitude of the butchery staff so I don't bother to even try to buy meats there. When we were at the Marina I used to go to Al Maya and Waitrose and am shocked at how much our grocery bills have fallen. Having said that, we find a fortnightly trip to C4 still makes sense as staples such as tomatoes and onions are cheaper. I also found the first floor of the Union Coop great for household stuff in terms of both prices and selection.