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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 12:07
thanks for taking the time to post ladies - you saved us some time and trouble tonight as we'd planned to just arrive and see how we go. now...somewhere else for iftar? better get researching.
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 20:19
dish catering will take care of everything for you (staff, food, drinks, hire) and have divine food. they are more pricey than your BBQ caterers but IMHO are def worth it. www.dish.ae
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 20:14
it's been said a million times on this forum but the main thing to consider when planning an itinerary in sri lanka is that the roads are rough and take a lot longer than you would think. if you are going to sigiriya then make sure you leave time to climb the rock and take in the gardens and phenomenal art works - it's one of the most beautiful sights. also, if you can try and stay at the kandalama hotel, designed by sri lanka's most revered architect bawa it is built into the side of a mountain and is out of this world. when staying here we took an amazing hot air balloon ride over the lake..it's where my DH planned to propose but it took him 2 more weeks to pluck up the courage when we were in galle :) sri lanka is gorgeous - enjoy your trip!
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Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 21:20
great! thanks for that scotsmumofone
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Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 09:05
i just had the same problem. i used to have the 99 a month package but downgraded to the 49 as i wasn't using the net much. then i needed to "upgrade" whatsapp and without net connection couldn't do it. so i no longer have whatsapp as it didn't allow me to use the version i had downloaded...bummer :(
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Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 19:49
hi UmmShamsa, my first ds was also a november 2010 baby, how funny! this bub is due on the same day (10/11/12) if it comes on the due date that will be a pretty cool birth date, but we'll see when he/she decides to arrive, my dr says that caucasians are almost guaranteed to go over their due date so i won't hold my breath on that. Clare JLT, i also wanted to chime in with you and agree with UmmShamsa that the isofix is a great investment rather than faffing about with the seatbelt every trip - one less thing to stress about if you have a crying bub on your hands. We got our base on line from "good baby" and they delivered to us COD but i remember DH had to do quite a bit of research to make sure we got the right base for the car seat we had. we have the bugaboo with maxicosi combo and it works very well with the adapters. had a great app with dr raj this afternoon - she is so lovely and calm and kind and feeling very excited to deliver at american hospital this time around. looking forward to meeting you all soon!
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Latest post on 03 August 2012 - 13:25
perhaps a food hamper with ready to make meals - limetree and jones the grocer both do beautifully presented hampers.
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Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 20:19
hi all - this is my first post - due 10th nov with bub number 2. have been checking in occasionally and sharing same heartburn (as with preg 1) and lots of energy in 2nd trimester...not looking forward to 3rd trimester and being exhausted running after a toddler. a few ladies mentioned family coming to stay and i just wanted to pipe in and give my experience.....we had my MIL with us for the birth of our first and i wanted to maybe advise first time mums to set boundaries with any family that may be staying with you. while the help was amazing and we did, in hindsight, need it (especially as DS was on the b**b constantly), i wish i had set some boundaries with my MIL beforehand. little things like, when the b/r door is shut, don't come in (as i felt self conscious at first about BF) or the biggie - please don't come to the hospital until invited. upon hearing the good news my MIL rushes straight in and i was only just out of the delivery suite, still feeling a bit overawed and really felt DH and i needed more time to bond alone with the new addition before handing him over. this time around we have my mum which i think will be beautiful, especially as she knows me so well and can look after DS. just because you are new to the whole mum thing don't let well meaning family get in the way of the most precious beautiful moments between you, your DH and little bundle. we're delivering at american w dr raj and looking at doulas - super excited about DS having a little brother or sister :) hope you all are coping in the heat - it's yuck! at least last time i was working and exercising lots..i envy the girls doing prenatal pilates/ yoga/ classes etc.
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 19:58
dangerous blonde have you read anything about hypnobirthing? i'm not sure what kind of birth you were planning but i found the marie mongon a calming read...even if you decide it's not of you. also, i was given a fantastic CD with the book with a "rainbow meditation" and "birthing affirmations". although it all sounds a bit "crunchy" it actually calms me right down and helps me focus on the positive parts of pregnancy - especially when i listen to it before bed. i think all the thoughts you're having are completely normal - especially when there seems so many unknown factors ahead. other posters have suggested talking all your feelings out and i agree 100%, nothing can be gained from suffering in silence and i'm sure your loved ones would hate to know you didn't ask for help...even though it sometimes seems like you are alone - you never are....
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Latest post on 14 July 2012 - 17:55
have found a company called Shaheen Extreme Falconry....does anyone have any feedback on their experiences?? just trying to work out if they are in Dubai or RAK??
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Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 13:21
thanks ladies, i already have an ikea and we find the waist strap holds him in. it's just at the moment he HATES being put into it and freaks out. i feel like i need to almost bend him in half to contort him in....that was why i was thinking maybe upgrade to a "seat style" tripp trapp and the added bonus may be enough to swing DH on board, it's quite an investment. then the new bub can have the old ikea while making such a mess eating.
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Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 20:30
i see that just kidding have a special that you receive a new born set with the stokke free with purchase of the high chair (abt 999 dhs). does anyone have experience w the new born kit attachment - is it really useful for little ones to have them propped up at the table from 0-6 months? we have our second due in november and have wanted a stokke chair for a while. but thinking perhaps it's a bit much to spend and we'll just get another ikea. TIA for feedback
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 19:29
highly recommend the swim fin. we started our boy in it from just after 1 though he was having swim lessons from 4 months. rather than arm bands or floaties these keep bub upright and dont stop kids from using their arms. our DS is now 18 months and swimming with it unaided. http://www.swimfin.co.uk/ you can buy them at adventure HQ at times square for 150 dhs.
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 19:52
salon ink are getting a new eyebrow person when they open the new store in jumeirah - not sure if they have opened already. they say she is amazing?
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 12:33
if you have a slightly bigger budget and are looking for something stylish then dish are great ( dish.ae ) they do amazing salads/ prawns/ meats and send a chef and staff to take care of the entire event. if you're after a more casual arabic style bbq then the guys from baalbak castle butchery are the best i've tried. they bring the bbq and coals and do the full salads and dips/ breads etc. joseph can be called on 050 775 3129, they are just behind the jumeirah post office. have a nice party :)
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Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 11:41
you can watch all the songs on the eurovision website - i just watched the UK entry - quite a nice song by humperdinck. note sure about live on tv though..good luck on the search
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 08:04
great ideas thanks ladies! think i'll do the ikea cheapie option to see how that goes. like the convincing techniques too lizoona, very cute :)
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 13:36
dubai garden centre (SZR) have a great range of authentic panama/ graden hats - i know they have all 3 sizes and all are on the smallish size. they also have a nice range of colors. there is a stand just near the cash registers there.
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 09:59
i'm fond of pabloski and found their store assistants very helpful (we went to the one in MOE). just remember they grow super quick so go bigger rather than smaller. for around home and at indoor play you are better off with leather soft numbers - favorite things at marina mall have a great range of australian made and bumblebee at dubai mall have the european brands
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 09:55
loving this thread...we're not sure what we're having but if it's a girl we have no ideas...i just love daphne and the thread reminded me, thanks i love all old fashioned names but my husband tends to turn his nose up which is not helpful elizabeth margaret rosemary elise jean
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 13:42
from my experience chefs eat disgusting fast food constantly, smoke and are incredibly unhealthy due to the horrible hours they work. have you read any anthony bourdain? he refers to chefs as pirates and it's been true for me too.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 13:39
we had an uninvited cat problem as well. we dont have cats but we do have a toddler and the cat was so agressive it burst through the fly wire. my DH did some on line research and used chilli sauce in water in a sprayer and put it all over the courtyard - as well as getting the cat occasionally. seemed to do the trick. good luck
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 19:00
hi mols - i can't comment on whether sling is better for new borns but with regards to the heat question - we got the ergo performance which we found to be the coolest - and biggest as my DH has a broad back. there is also a baby-wearing group here at the dubai mall organic cafe where you can go to try out or for wearing tips...i went there to get them to teach me how to use the ergo on my back, very helpful! safe travels with the precious cargo
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 12:18
hi mols. i've heard that slings are great for new borns too but most friends that had them only used them for a very short period of time. we got the ergo carrier with a new born insert (which is like a lovely cocoon) the best thing about it is that we are still using it now and my son is 18 months old. when the bub is bigger you can use it on your back which we plan to do on our next trip. also the ergo is great for your back and you can easily juggle other bags as the LO will be so snug and secure. it also has handy pockets for passports/ tickets etc good luck with the trip :)
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 11:11
thanks flydiver11 didn't even know that product existed - looks great! what brand is your inflatable bath? really appreciate the tip as our LO loved his bath, bed routine! would also like to know if you got the phil and teds here in dubai :)
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 19:17
ace (szr) have them - though only large and jumbo which are enormous!
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 19:16
i heard a guy on dubai eye yesterday that is riding his motorbike from dubai to singapore to raise money for the palestinian children's hospital. let me find the link http://dubaieye1038.com/page/Saving_Lives_Via_the_Silk_Route/3581 you can listen to the interview here too...
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Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 19:37
Ausswim runs classes at Hayya health club in the Lakes. I know they are very popular though. We just put our 18 mo on a wait list for September. We used to see Dawn Venturas (from 4 months old) and loved her but she no longer runs weekend classes and my DH loves to be involved in the swimming. If weekdays are ok maybe try Dawn, I think she still does classes at Tamani in the Marina which is 10 minutes tops from the Greens.
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Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 19:32
i went and picked up all the dr seuss books in soft back from kinokuniya...it's hard to keep him still for more than a few pages but i have lots of fun reading them. especially oh the places you'll go - always puts me in a good mood :)
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Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 19:24
thanks very much for taking the time to reply. much appreciated!
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 13:21
from what i've heard australia is very expensive for furniture and if you have room in the container and you are paying for the shipping then it may be cheaper here. we were money conscious so got some great buys on dubizzle (stokke set in fantastic condition etc). i would get furniture here but get bedding and baby clothes (bonds, pure baby etc) in aust as the quality and price are reasonable and i'm not as keen on the styles of baby clothes here. they also have bamboo products available in aust which are so soft and gorgeous for new born bubs. good luck with the move home.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 22:17
hi there - we use ishwar near the butchers on the main strip - he's listed here http://www.timeoutdubai.com/print/features/4210-tailors-in-dubai will let you know how it turns out - my MIL had 2 suits made there and i've had a heap of business shirts done but this will be the first major purchase. anyone else have guidelines for price??
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 18:42
many thanks clairehdp...will look into this now :)
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 12:56
hi there - we're off in june to the UK (wedding season) and are looking for a lovely b&b that is baby friendly in the lakes district. we have a 18 month old and have tried a few b&b recommended on tripadvisor to be told they do not allow young children...sigh. so if anyone can recommend any accommodation options to take advantage of the lakes district i'd really appreciate it. also - we're thinking of south wales for 2 nights so any suggestions for accom there would also be welcome. TIA
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 22:37
ilovewine i'm almost positive they will deliver the insert from babysouk the next day if they have it in stock. they are based locally and are super efficient.
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 13:11
babysouk.com has the full range and they deliver COD the lovely ladies that run this site also run baby carrying workshops at the organic cafe in dubai mall. they are super helpful.
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Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 19:43
I want to take my kids this Friday, what is the best time to go? hi there, the acts start at 2 on the weekend and run till the mall closes - anytime that suits the kids is best i always think. the acts rotate so there is always something fun
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Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 20:02
i second the swim fin. we just bought one for our 16 month old. he has been having lessons for over a year and needed that added buoyancy. they are also for sale at adventure HQ at times square.
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Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 20:00
the third eye are on SZR near the dusit thani. best to join their facebook group for all the updates. their meditations are varied and lovely (though i haven't been for over a year) and when i was going we're all payment by discretionary donation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThirdEyeDubai/
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Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 12:40
wishing you'd replied sooner big blue ;) ...dragged some friends down to marina mall and you're right, no baker and spice so had an average brekkie at shakespears in place of. will go to the marina promenade next time .. bummer, but glad it was nice fairfield apologies if i misled anyone else
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 20:04
"bossy pants" by tina fey. she is from 30 rock and snl and is snort out loud funny. i actually downloaded the audio book and listen while ironing...
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 10:09
thanks apricot
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Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 19:16
i have had terrible skin lately and have seen this CeraVe moisturizer recommended. has anyone seen it at chemists anywhere in dubai? TIA
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Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 19:31
thanks for all the tips - will try dubai mall tomorrow. NIP...thanks for the chuckle :)
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Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 13:05
does anyone know where i can buy a replacement glass insert for a bodum plunger. have tried crate and barrel but no joy. TIA
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Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 18:09
i've used ishwar for years - he's on this time out link. yes you purchase fabrics separately and it can be a fun day out with a huge range of shops to chose from http://www.timeoutdubai.com/print/features/4210-tailors-in-dubai
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Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 14:38
the ritz carlton is just lovely. had afternoon tea for my baby shower there and it was a perfect day. gorgeous food.
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Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 13:13
went to this family theatre last night and saw "cloud man" it was just lovely. they apparently have a few acts that rotate in a purpose built theatre in a shop on the ground floor. our LO was too young to quite understand but the 4 yo kids at the front were enthralled. all the details are on the facebook for dubai marina mall. such a treat to see honest theatre here in dubai :)
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Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 13:10
have you tried lime tree - their catering department does a massive range of cakes and i know they have lots of coeliac cakes. they have all of the on line at thelimetreecafe.com
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Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 23:21
thanks for the feedback ladies. we had a great night too. fun to get into the spirit and we met another lovely couple too. MIL loved it too which is fab - she is notoriously hard to please :) they also said they're bringing back faulty towers in november so we'll definitely check that out again. wish there were more of these kinds of events on in dubai!