SEY83 | ExpatWoman.com
 

SEY83

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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 09:56
Lol I do feel elated...for about all of 5 minutes, and then I remember that i have to repeat a workout in less than 24 hours time and it makes me hate it again! But the results are worth it! Haha I've taken to watching you tube success stories to keep me going! Sad I know... I'm definitely able to push myself harder, I can do more of the exercises, get in more reps, etc. The feeling of exhaustion is the same as it was day 1 as I am "digging deeper" now. The good thing is that my muscles aren't aching anymore after it. My body has recovered from the initial shock to the system, which is also bad because now I want to eat again! Are you dieting at the same time? Today I repeat the fit test. I'm looking forward to seeing how I have improved - I will post my results for you to see tomorrow. Good luck with Pure Cardio, you basically go 16 minutes straight with no water break. the first time I did it I felt nauseus for 24 hours!! I'm a lot better at it now, and in my last Pure Cardio workout, you also have to do Cardio Abs - I was exhausted! Bring on day 63 :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 09:15
Hi Wiesie I have just started Insanity - on Day 5! It is flippin hard but I am already seeing the results - which sounds unbelievable but it is true. You do have to work hard and commit - it is not for the fainthearted and you should have a basic level of fitness. I have a sort of love/hate relationship with it! One downside is that the boxset is expensive - I got mine from Amazon - but that said if it gets you the results you want then its money well spent in my view (and probably cheaper than a gym membership). Loool i had to laugh when I read your post - sounds like we're in the same boat! Yesterday was my second rest day, and to be honest I actually missed working out, even though I was so looking forward to a day off! It felt odd that I didn't do any exercise. I'll post back in our other thread to see which routines you're liking and hating.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 09:15
So how has it been going so far? Favourite workout, worst workout? Have you done Pure Cardio yet?? That's my least favourite by far.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 09:12
I'm currently on Day 15 of Insanity. Me and another lady on this forum have been discussing it on this threa: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic197500-for-sey83--insanity.aspx It's a tough program, but 15 days in and I have definitely lost some inches. Having said that, the scale hasn't moved but I'm hoping that is to do with muscle forming in my body becaause my clothes are all considerably looser and I have had lots of compliments from people. Like Beebers said, you really do need to be committed and stick to the schedule. I have a love/hate relationship with the program. It's tough, and you have to push yourself, but the results seem to be good. I will keep updating the thread above with my results.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 08:50
I'm a total sucker to games on my iPhone, so I have lots. Many of which are honestly just a bit of fun, and borderline stupid (but so addictive and fun!!). Ok here is my list for you, and bare in mind that I do love the word games as well: * Bag It - you have to fit supermarket items into a big shopping bag - it sounds ridiculous but it actually takes a lot of strategy as you have to take into account the size and weight of items. * Cover Orange - another strategy game. You're given items and scenes that you have to "drop" to protect the oranges from the acid rain * Tap the Frog - ok this game is pretty dumb, but incredibly addictive. Oh and its a great workout for your fingers!! * Angry Birds - classic app, great for time wasting * Fruit Ninja - another pointless app where you slice fruit. I got bored of this quickly, but its fun to start off with * Hardest Game Ever - this is addicitive until you complete it. You have several mini-tasks that you need to complete *Bejewelled Blitz - I used to play this on Facebook but have since moved to playing it on my iPhone. It's the classic jewel swapping game but you have a minute. also, you get to compete with your friends on facebook Ok I can't think of anymore! Let me know if you download any of them and what you think!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 08:32
Definitely a term of endearment and very common in Arabic. I call my kids "mama" all the time. My mom calls them "nana". I didn't actually realise how odd this was until I said it in the UK in front of my English friends and they all looked at me oddly!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 12:35
I have to leave HSBC as well, and not because of poor service but because they have discontinued their Amanah accounts. I'm very annoyed about it because I can't be bothered to go through the hassle of changing banks. I've never really had the customer service issue just because I don't use my account for much more than transferring my salary and withdrawing money. I have heard good things about ADIB so that might be my choice. Plus I want a credit card with them as they do Etihad guestmiles.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:24
Ijaz - 050 4671531. I have used him for exactly what you have said below. He did about 3 hours of work for us and charged us 200 dhs. There is a framing shop inside the Safest Way building on Sheikh Zayed Road. I once needed a quotation for a very large frame, which I didn't go through with in the end, but the quotation was very reasonable.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:12
Don't be concerned at all! Children learn to speak when they are ready. As long as you don't have any doubts about his hearing and he responds to you then don't worry. My eldest daughter didn't saay much until after she turned two. My youngest is currently 18 months and she says full sentences. Every child develops differently.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:40
Don't worry, I wasn't anywhere near Shaun T's team results either! I had the results of my brothers to compare to and I came out ok. I repeat the fit test on Thursday and I'm expecting some vast improvement, yesterday I did the Globe Jumps as part of the Cardio Power and Resistance workout, and I did as many globe jumps in 30 seconds, mid-workout, as I did during the fit test 13 days ago! Oh I also can't do push-ups either. You did Plyo yesterday right? You will see that there are LOTS of push ups! honestly I am improvising for the push-ups at the moment, I was really struggling with full push-ups and so I am doing them on my knees for now and hope I will be able to do proper push-ups soon (I'm improving so far!). Hahaha I can't do moving push-ups at all!!!!! I feel like I'm still working to exhaustion so I can live with my improvisations! How did you find Plyo? Today I have Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs, which I haven't tried yet. Pure cardio is my least favourite so I don't even want to know how tired I am going to be coupling it up with Cardio abs.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 16:07
I don't get how this work. Don't cars only pay for Salik for the first 8 times they pass a day, and then anything after that is free? So surely taxis will pass under Salik 100 times a day. How does the passenger know if the Salik is applicable for their trip or not? I remember this being an issue when Salik was first introduced and it was found that taxi companies were making a lot of money out of this. good point ... I didnt know that you dont get charged after the 8th time From the Salik website: What is the maximum toll amount that I can be charged per day? The maximum deducted amount from your Salik account per vehicle per day is AED 24. Once a vehicle reaches this limit, Salik is not charged for the rest of its trips on that day. busybee2 - hopefully the meters are smart this time and count how many times a taxi has been under, but honestly I can't see it happening!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 11:15
My DD passed the assessment and was put on the waiting list for FS2 this year, so starting September 2012. I never heard from the school again and I ended up sending DD to another school. I'm happy at her current school so no issues, but from my experience there didn't seem to be a real chance. Having said that, I wasn't one of the parents calling every other week to check up on status either, so maybe if I was she would have had a better chance? I was borderline about Horizon, I loved the school but I was worried abaout the lack of Arabic. <em>edited by SEY83 on 13/01/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:11
Day 1 today! Lol mental preparation is very much needed...I currently have a love/hate relationship with Insanity. I'm filled with dread knowing that I have to do a workout...lol prob is once I do it every day, it's not like that dread goes because I know I have to do it all over again in 24 hours time :( But, I am loving the results! I have seen a huge difference in my body already, and quite a few people have told me that I've lost weight so that's the "love" part! Today is day 11 for me, I'm so proud of myself for sticking with it! I haven't followed the nutrition diet, because my brothers gave me the cds without it lol. Having said that I am eating healthy. Actually I feel like my body has had this huge shock to its system that I cant stomach food at all, so I'm eating less whether I wanted to or not. Let me know how the fit test goes. Haha I was exhausted by the end of it!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 11:20
Alternatively you could buy a square splint, have ACE cut it at exactly the same length of the ledge behind the right part of your sliding doors. Partly put in a small screw to lift it when doors need to be opened. For a couple of dirhams you have a better effect then putting in a lock. Never fails. Thanks but could a toddler lift out the wood? It's an upstairs bedroom and my ds is a total escape artist... Grrr No don't do this! I do agree with Oopsiedaisy that it's a great way to prevent break-ins, but not child-friendly at all. My husband used to have something similar in our old apartment from before we got married and we just continued to do this without even thinking about. Anyways, fast forward to DD1 being about 2 years old and we still had our "pole". My nanny at the time was out on the balcony putting out the washing, when my DD in the space of a few seconds managed to close the balcony door and put down the pole locking out the nanny. Of course as fate would have it, i was at work and at the time my nanny also had her mobile charging inside the house!!! My DD had no idea what she had done, my nanny had no way of re-entering the house, and couldn't call me or anyone else either and I wasn't due back for a couple of hours. The nanny ended up smashing the double glazed, thick glass of the windows with an empty plant pot in order to get back in, all the while terrified that my then DD would come too close to the glass, but thankfully she didnt as she was scared of the sound of the glass breaking. Honestly, that was probably the scariest episode that I have ever been in with my DD, and I feel stupid not recognising that it potentially could be an issue, but I didn't even think of my DD being able to lock somebody out - I didn't even know that she was aware of the pole and what it did! Thank God that the whole thing only lasted a few minutes, and I'm so grateful to the nanny for being proactive, and not worrying about costs and all the stuff associated with fixing the glass. So long story short...never do the pole/wood idea with a toddler! If you do find a balcony lock then can you please let me know from where, I need to do the same now as DD2 can slide the balcony door (not able to reach the sliding lock yet though!).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 10:05
yayy I got some at Sun and Sand in MCC for aed 93 ! Checked Go Sport at MOE but none left and most crocs were full price. Thanks all for the replies I'm glad you found some Sleepy! I bought mine from Sun and Sand at MCC as well, they had the best selection on sale, and a much better range than what was being sold at the Crocs shop.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 10:03
Beebers I'm completely clueless about recovery shakes, but my brothers keep telling me I should be taking them after I workout. My apologies for sounding ignorant, but why should you take them? Also, are they high calorie drinks? Lol I would hate to undo the good of the workout with a high calorie recovery shake! You want to replenish the glycogen after weight training sessions. Weight training sessions break down muscle, and the idea is to offer quick recovery so it can repair and build. There are many differing opinions about which is best after a workout. Protein shake only? Protein shake + carbs? Really the only thing everyone agrees on is fats do the least good after a workout. My hard core friends will do a protein shake (100% protein isolate, or isolate/concentrate mix) with a little simple sugar like jelly on a rice cake, or even fat free candy like Skittles! (not fruit or fructose though). Sugars propel the protein a little faster; that's the reason. I say keep it simple, keep it consistent. Find a protein shake you like, and have one as a snack between meals, and one post workout. HTH x to add: If your brother is saying you need that during your running to keep your muscle from breaking down from high intensity cardio, go for BCAA powder (branched chain amino acids). They are quite effective. When you do high intensity cardio, your body has the tendency to release cortisol, and burn muscle. Even refuse to oxidize fat! If I am pushing my anerobic threshold (heart rate between 176-189) I always drink aminos during. HTH edited by Beebers on 09/01/2013 Thanks so much for the reply Beebers! You really should do this as more than just a hobby, your advice is great. I have to admit though I still am very clueless about the recovery shakes, and i have always been told that Amino Acids are really bad for your body - isn't that true? I think I need to do some googling to decide what to have :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 09:51
Blimey is correct the closest is Business Bay Metro Station. It's about a 200 metre walk.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 15:58
Well you're definitely starting off on a much better base than i am! You just have to persevere and I'm sure the results for both of us will be worth it. You will definitely be challenged with Insanity, no issues there. I haven't tried the Circuit Factory but i have heard good things about it. To be honest, I've tried doing the gym thing, but I work full-time and have two young children at home. I feel guilty leaving them for any longer than I already do when I'm at work. I'm usually not into home DVDs, but my brothers have had such great results with Insanity, and I'm at the point where I hate my body after having kids but I'm struggling to do anything about it that I decided to taake drastic measures. This works for me and honestly, I have never felt as exhausted after doing a gym workout (and I push myself) as I do after an Insanity workout. I think it's because Shaun T combines cardio and resistance training at once...and yes he does make you dig deeper :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:21
Sorry to pick your brain Beebers - but do you have any personal review on Syntha 6? I've done loads of internet research before taking it, and all reveiws are "positive" so went with those. Plumie, funny you should ask, I have recommended Syntha-6 on a few other threads :) It is my favorite tasting product out there, and I have been using this on and off for almost a decade. It's not 100% whey protein, but it's still a good quality protein product, and knowing the manufacturer, I feel comfortable using it. The Calcium Caseinate and Casein can aggravate some stomachs, but the digestive enzymes in there (bromelain, papain) help this. Another reason I like it is that is has some carbs and fats so I am not hungry a half hour after I drink one like I am with 100% whey products. The only people I wouldn't recommend this for are those trying to go under 12% body fat...a cleaner product will be necessary to get extremely lean x Beebers I'm completely clueless about recovery shakes, but my brothers keep telling me I should be taking them after I workout. My apologies for sounding ignorant, but why should you take them? Also, are they high calorie drinks? Lol I would hate to undo the good of the workout with a high calorie recovery shake!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:17
Well so far Day 7 is my favourite...it's the rest day! You don't know how relieved I am to not have to workout tonight! So far I have had lots of ups and downs. Have you looked up the individual workouts? Pure Cardio was Day 5, and that was by far the hardest for me so far. Firstly because I think my body was just completely exhausted and the fact that its a continuous workout with no breaks - I was not expecting that! So come Day 6, I had to do Plyometrics Cardio Circuit for the second time around (because it's also what you do on day 2) and I was dreading it. I felt very nauseous after doing Day 5 and actually felt sick for most of Day 6 after. I think the intensity this is having on my body just hit me big time and I was so tempted to chicken out yesterday. I did however force myself to do Day 6, and it was much better than I expected. I was exhausted by the end but I felt fantastic! Honestly the buzz you get after completing a workout is amazing. Let me know when you receive the box set. How are your fitness levels now? I've always been athletic but in recent months I have been very lazy about going to the gym, so my fitness levels aren't as high as they used to be. If you're fitness levels are already high then I think you will find this easier than I have.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 08:24
There is a Crocs at Outlet Mall. However, if you're looking to buy some now then check the sports shops as many of them have Crocs on sale and they had a much nicer/bigger range than the actual Crocs shop. I bought UK size 11 Crocs for my daughter from Sun, Sand & Sports for around 80 Dhs which were reduced from 170dhs. Go Sports also had some on sale as well.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 08:19
Hey SEY83... I'm right behind you... Insanity is on order from Amazon... I decided I was insane enough to give it a try! Keep me posted on how you are doing and I'll give you a heads up when I get started... I'm warning you that it is tough! I actually felt sick for hours after yesterday's workout, and I generally push myself in the gym. This is on a whole new level. Plus I don't think I have ever worked out 5 days in a row and my body can feel it! But, having said that, it's only been 5 days and I can feel a difference already so it seems to be worth it! Maybe we can exchange emails on our progress? It would be great to connect with somebody else on the same program - let me know if you would like to do that?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 16:37
I don't get how this work. Don't cars only pay for Salik for the first 8 times they pass a day, and then anything after that is free? So surely taxis will pass under Salik 100 times a day. How does the passenger know if the Salik is applicable for their trip or not? I remember this being an issue when Salik was first introduced and it was found that taxi companies were making a lot of money out of this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 16:29
Lol I'm so glad to hear that you have heard great results from insanity! I need all the motivation that I can get and other than my brothers i don't know anybody else that has done it. I can't believe I'm going to leave work and then go and workout for the 5th day in a row!! And today's CD I have been told is very tough :( I keep saying that I had better seen results else I am at risk of falling off the wagon very soon lol. Altho I have told so many people that I am doing this that I [b'>will look like an idiot if I give up!![/b'> hahaha!!! Sometimes that is enough for motivation! You know, staying motivated is not easy! I'm all about positive thinking. However. I'll readily admit that when I don't feel like running that extra km, doing that last rep, or when I have cabin fever and want to go tie one on with my pals--I [b'>do[/b'> think of negative things. I think of how it felt to be so fat I wore sweats all the time. I think of those ugly lights in the dressing room that highlight every flaw and p!ss me off to the point where I don't buy the clothes I'm trying on. I think about anyone who ever said I couldn't do it. Dig as deep as you have to, just don't give up x Lol dig deeper...that's Shaun T's (insanity instructor) motto. I'm trying to dig deep! I will do my pure cardio cd today as soon as I get home and I will feel good about it after. I know what you mean about the dressing room lights...I get so depressed everytime I go shopping. And totally agree with thinking about everyone who said I can't do it. My mom scoffed at the idea of me doing insanity because "it's too hard for me"!!! Wtf!!! I will prove her wrong!! Haha I am super competitive...I'm the one at the gym, that checks the speed of the person running next to me on the treadmill to make sure that I'm running faster :P
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 15:47
Lol I'm so glad to hear that you have heard great results from insanity! I need all the motivation that I can get and other than my brothers i don't know anybody else that has done it. I can't believe I'm going to leave work and then go and workout for the 5th day in a row!! And today's CD I have been told is very tough :( I keep saying that I had better seen results else I am at risk of falling off the wagon very soon lol. Altho I have told so many people that I am doing this that I will look like an idiot if I give up!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 12:01
I actually think that the 30 calendar days is more generous than the 22 working days. My company gives us 22 working days...that's 4 weeks and 2 days no matter how you spread it out. My husband's company gives him 30 calendar days. Technically, that means that you can get 6 weeks off work if you split your holidays into one week vacations. If you take it all in once then you still get your one month off. the Labour Law says 30 days of leave, 2,5 days per month...without working or calendar...but article 77 says :. "...holidays for which provisions has been made by law or agreement , or any other day of absence from work on account of sickness, shall be reckoned as part of the annual leave if such holidays fall within the annual leave..." Also with regards to this, I don't what it actually means, but the way I read it is "if such holidays fall within the annual leave", thus any holiday declared before or after is not "within" and shouldn't be counted as annual leave.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 09:18
What a great story Beebers! I absolutely love reading your posts, and your always so friendly and helpful when people ask for advice. I love that your advice really does come from experience and not because you're one of the lucky people that are naturally skinny and still hit the gym 5 days a week! Your story is inspirational. I too love sports and exercise and have battled with my weight so much since having children (breast feeding makes me put on weight :( ). I now work full time, and then when I get home my time is dedicated to my children. I don't think it's fair of me to leave them again to go and workout - it's tough finding the balance being a working mom, and in my mind, I see it that my decision to work 8-5 everyday means that I have to sacrifice some of the things that I enjoy. Anyways, I have now decided to take drastic measures, and I am doing the Insanity fitness program...it is super tough! Today is day 5. The good thing is that I get to do it at home, and so my kids usually jump around with me and try to get involved so it works. I just have to keep it up, and stick to eating healthy! I just wanted to add that you should have put a different title...I almost didn't click on this thread!!! Oh and I love your response to the fitness guru! <em>edited by SEY83 on 07/01/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 09:04
wait for your hubby to return home (preferably prepare yourself while he is on the way), feed baby and put her to sleep, RUN to shop and return AS FAST AS YOU CAN. Shopping with a baby is far more time consuming than without. You can shop double with half time. Source: Mother of 3. I can only speak as SAHM with the time to do it and I'm sure things would be different if I worked and had less time but whilst shopping in indeed less time consuming sans children, I've always taken my children shopping. I'd much rather they were out with me seeing and interacting with the world than left at home because it's easier. Plus my husband works long hours and when he gets home I actually like to sit down and have dinner and see him in the evenings rather than rushing off. My children all really enjoy shopping trips, when they are babies there is a lot to look at and when they are a bit older they love seeing their things on the shelves and putting them in the trolley and we talk about where everything comes from. I also find it a good way to encourage them to try new things. Anyway, like I said, SAHM with time on my hands, I understand why people who don't have the time might want to leave the little ones. I completely agree with you Daza. I work full time, and the supermarket is always a place that I take my kids...they love it! i don't think it takes much longer, but I am blessed with kids that actually walk in the direction that i want them to! Like Daza said, my 18 month old loves sitting in the trolley, looking around and then dropping my items in the trolley. My 5 year old loves searching for "her things". I love taking them with me!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 08:52
It should be only three days of leave. As per the law, weekends/public holidays are counted as your annual leave if they fall in the middle of your holiday. So say you take off a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday - because the weekend fell in the middle, this is classed as five days leave rather than three days. However, if you take off Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday with no weekend/public holiday in the middle then this is three days annual leave.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 08:50
Hi suzieirl. I know that seeing your children upset is heartbreaking for a mom, but you have to stay strong and positive for him and don;t compare your son to your daughter. From what you have posted, I gather that you only recently moved to Dubai, and you have to realise that everybody deals with change differently. It seems that your son is more emotional than your daughter, and is finding it harder to adopt. Plus entering a new school in the middle of the year is difficult because all the kids have already made friends. Don't worry he will get there. Why are you sending him to school in Sharjah if his sister is at school in Dubai? It will be difficult for play dates, plus he might be feeling awkwaard because he is all alone now and doesn't have his sister there to support him. Also, you said that you live in AR. There are so many families that live there and I am sure that he will find friends there at the pools, playgrounds, etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 08:43
On the coop note, they now have a customer club, with a few discounts and a small reward. Is that open for everyone? They might be trying to compete with Carrefour. Yes. There is gold membership (for shareholders), and silver (for everyone). You can join at any coops info desk. thought you had to be Emirati? Yes the lady at the counter yesterday asked me if I have a discount card, I said no. Then I asked her if I can get one and she said that it is only for locals. So my understanding is that it is only for Emiratis as well.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 12:20
I'm on day 4 of the Insanity workout DVD program. My body has never ached more, lol so I had better see results. It's a 63 day program with very tough workouts and I'm trying to eat healthy as well. Both of my brothers have done it before me, and one of them lost 6kgs within the 63 days and he wasn't overweight to start off with. The other brother toned a lot, but by his own admittance, he was eating like a cow the whole time and so didn't shift major pounds. It's definitely not a program for the lighthearted, but I am so sick of making lame attempts at getting my self in shape and my weight down that I decided to take extreme measures!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 December 2012 - 22:02
I have definitely seen something like this in M&S in Dubai Mall. There was both a His & Hers calendar and also a family one.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 09:51
My DD goes to Wellington Primary, she's only in FS2 but so far no complaints at all. It's a lovely school, great staff and great community.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 15:51
Just to let you know that the road that leads down from Millenium Tower, past the Dubai Mall Metro Station and into Emaar Square is back open!!! Woohoo for me!!! Maybe I can finally save on some Salik?! Ignore all the signs that say that the road is closed as these have not been taken down yet, but I promise you that the road is very much open and the barriers have been completely removed as the metro walkway is now close to completion.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 15:38
Thought this was about them in concert lol. edited by kimball 65 on 20/12/2012 Gutted that its not :( I love the Black Eyed Peas...I've always said that this would be the one concert that I would love to happen in Dubai...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 08:33
I live in the Executive Towers in Business Bay. It takes me about 10 minutes to drop my daughter off at WPS every morning and I see a lot of children wearing the WPS uniform in the parking every morning. Its made up of 10 residential towers and some podium villas. There is a shared podium area where you find lots of children playing every evening. Good facilities, restaurants and a Spinneys downstairs, etc. You are right in the middle of Dubai, a stones throw from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall and can get up to pretty much any end of town in about 15 minutes. It's also significantly cheaper then next door Downtown Dubai where 3 bed apartments are being rented out for 250k. 3 beds in Exec are about 150k. Podium villas around the 280 mark I think - but they are massive!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 13:18
can you not pick up and drop back home in your lunch hour ? I did that for a year. Told my boss about it as well so no meetings were arranged during that time of the day. I do the same - I've actually done it for the past two and a half years. I will continue next Sept when my youngest one starts nursery, eldest daughter will have to go on the bus on the way home :-(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 11:44
I feel like this is a stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. When you order the Naational and then select "Entertainer Dubai" - you get both books right? It's not just one of the two? Lol I'm trying to figure out if there are any catches here!! No catch - my books (Entertainer Family -2 books) were delivered at the weekend! They even called me this morning to make sure I had received them. Fab deal! Perfect! Okay I'm ordering now...although I am a bit worried about not readaing the newspaper but I'm sure that between me, my husband and my maid, they won't go to waste!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 11:42
Received the book yesterday :) edited by jazz19 on 17/12/2012 Which one, or do you have the option to choose? You have an option to choose from 5 Entertainer books.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 11:34
I feel like this is a stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. When you order the Naational and then select "Entertainer Dubai" - you get both books right? It's not just one of the two? Lol I'm trying to figure out if there are any catches here!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 10:39
Why don't you just ask her what she prefers? Similar to mushypeas I pay my maid in cash on the agreed day every month and she signs a paper provided by the agency to say that she has received the payment. My maid has never asked for a bank account as she sends most of her money home so what she keeps in hand isn't that much. Ask her what she wants - surely if she felt the need for a bank account then she will llet you know. I do suggest you pay her cash though, it may be difficult for her to withdraw cash whenever she needs it so you give her the cash and have her sign a document, then she can put money into the account if she wants to.
943
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 11:33
There are men with pick-up trucks that literally park on Umm Suqeim road waiting for people to approach them with such tasks. You cant miss them. You just approach them and tell them what you want and then negotiate on the price. It sounds dodgy but they aren't at all, they just get things done for you (they're the same type of guys you find outside of Dragon Mart as well).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 11:28
Hi leenavaz, I literally did the Emirates ID card for my maid two weeks ago. We took her to the Satwa branch. It took them about 15 minutes to do it - she was home within 45 minutes! I advise that you go with her rather than your husband so that you can avail of the empty ladies counters. We processed my mother-in-laws ID card at the same time and they did it simultaneously because there are three ladies counters. You actualaly can't got to the Barsha one. I called and asked them and they specifically said that she will be turned away if we take her to that branch.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 09:22
It's what you believe best for your child's needs You refer to his age mark using April, as September is the guide for UK, US, IB, MOE schools, I'm guessing you are Indian, considering Indian cirriculum? From my understanding Indian cirriculum is much more conforming than play based, so you may take that into consideration. My DD began school at 4 years, 2 weeks old and was very happy. School to me is not that horrid thing they'll be stuck in for the next 20 something years, it's the place where learning becomes real, and the sooner you start the better. But, not everyone agrees with that. Completely agree. I think a lot of people get held up on whether their children are too young or too old. At the end of the day, the age groups have been set so that the level of education is appropriate to the age group. If you put your child in at 3 then he will be doing ont hing, if you put him in at 4 then the focus will be something else. I actually believe that school/nursery teaches children great social skills at the age of 3. It's not about whether a child is smart or not at that age. It's about learning to interact and the development of social skills. Children at that age are used to a certain environment at home. School teaches them how to act outside of that environment. In every classroom there are children at the older end of their age group, and children at the younger age. However, honestly I feel that when you walk into a classroom you don't see the difference. In any case teachers will recognise what is best for your child and act accordingly. Believe me, if the school thinks that your child is unable to cope then they will let you know! I have one daughter who is born in October and is one of the oldest (she is 5 now). My youngest is born in June, however I will still have her in school at the right age group, even though she will be one of the youngest. I think you have to trust the system with this. There are exceptions, and if you are one of them you will be informed!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2012 - 12:48
We went to Phuket and Bangkok in August of this year with my 4 year old and one year old daughters. We were travelling with a bunch of friends (all with kids). We didn't take the nannies with us and it was the best decision for us. We didn't feel restricted by anything at all. Yes we couldn't zip wire through the jungle, and the elephant trekking we did was a 30 minute ride around a wildlife park (we took our kids with us on that, and it was completely fine). Honestly, that was perfect though. I couldn't think of anything worse than taking my nanny with me on holiday, and its not a cost issue. It's nice to just spend a few days as a family, and not have a maid with us following us everywhere. For a couple of nights we did get a hotel babysitter and we were completely comfortable with it. The kids were completely worn out from activites during the day, so all the babysitter did was stay with them whilst they slept. It was very reasonable in terms of price as well and we all felt comfortable leaving our children, but obviously calling to check on them every so often.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 16:49
Oh come on, TDB you're being cheap :) har har My DH went to a business gig for 4 people at Cavalli Club last week and the bill was 55K dirhams. Stupid! Are you kidding me?!?! Haha the limit at my company for dinners is $125!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 12:57
Creek Park. Enter at Gate 4 and keep walking straight until you're right at the grassy area infront of the creek. Absolutely gorgeous views of the creek, Park Hyatt, golf & yacht club, etc. Quite frankly, the view is so nice that I'm shocked that they haven't torn down the park and built some overpriced resturant there yet!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 12:36
We finally found a place, and somebody that I actually thought seemed to be a decent agent, so I do have hope that there are some out there! We're basically moving from one tower to another within Executive Towers in Business Bay. We're paying more for a smaller apartment, lower floor, not as good a view, but with the prices at the moment what can we do? I was actually adament to leave ET for those exact same reasons (paying more for less) but after looking around I think we have made the right decision. I need to be in the BB area to make it possible to coordinate school runs and work, and quite frankly ET offers more than other towers we have looked at. I have made peace with paying more for less now. There are advantages to the new apartment, and now we don't get to see the sea, but we get to see Burj Khalifa so at least there is something to look at!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 12:17
It does sound really dodgy Beebers, I would get out as quickly as possible if i was you. It sounds like he has a million and one issues with the developer and will definitely not get his hand on his title deeds anytime soon. Don't let him trick you with a lower rent because you will have no rights without an Ejari contract. They way he sees it now, is any income he can get from you is better than nothing at all. Honestly just searching for a new apartment the last few weeks has been horrible. Seriously the agents play a nasty game, I have a friend's husband in real estate and he was telling us about the tricks they play on the owners and the tenants. Ask about the title deeds up front on any house that you're serious about. It's become a big issue. Oh and if they say, the title deed isn't ready but it's under process and I will get it in two weeks, then run a mile! They take weeks to process and thats without any glitches and presuming that the developer hands them over straight away, etc. Bottom line is no title deed means no Ejari contract. <em>edited by SEY83 on 28/11/2012</em>