simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 05 October 2012 - 19:54
Quoogle finds this: http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/raks-new-anglican-church-is-gulfs-largest http://stlukesrak.org/
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 05 October 2012 - 10:50
The use of VPN services is still illegal in the UAE, I think, this old thread might clarify it for you: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=127275
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 18:06
Racked my brains, but can't work out what AF means, presume an abbrevation of a euphemism for a period? Or a social disease, or...? "Aunt Flo" Slang for period. :D beat me ohhhhh...never heard that one and Flo ??? ewwwww.... You and me both, PennyLane. Always liked the French expression: "The English have landed";)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 17:52
Ha! You might be on to something there.....'sanitary' cakes for girls to celebrate getting their period! Ew! There are probably some really liberal "open" families who would be into this - the kind that cracks open the bubbles when their young 12-year old gets AF for the first time and announces it to all their friends and fam. Racked my brains, but can't work out what AF means, presume an abbrevation of a euphemism for a period? Or a social disease, or...?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 17:24
I love Strasbourg, and have found this which looks like a nice itinerary: http://www.greatrail.com/tours/colmar-black-forest-christmas-markets.aspx
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 10:42
Surely, it's in everyone's interests to have [b'>all[/b'> the rubbish removed? The only thing is, I don't think Dulsco will take more than what is in the single bins outside the villas whose landlords have paid their fees - they never remove anything surplus from outside our house without demanding an enormous fee.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 10:42
While I'm on my soap box, has anyone ever watched Finn and Jake on Cartoon network? It is truly hideous and scary and I refuse to allow my kids to watch it now. I haven't seen it, no - but remember watching Wacky Races and Sylvester and Tweety Pie and they were pretty violent when you analysed them!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 10:35
Good grief! Didn't get beyond the photo, was distracted by Holly Valance's meringue^^^wedding dress.. Love your latest handle, UpsyDaisy, very appropriate :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 15:04
WIS do the IB Certificate as well as the Diploma and I think they are offering some kind of vocational training in the Sixth Form as of this year - BTech, I think it's called? I can't find anything on their website, but you could ring them on 04 348 4999 and ask for the head of Sixth Form.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 13:43
Sima, meet desertdoc: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=190181
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 22:54
I think your best bet would to be to ask the schools where you are thinking of enrolling him - it does seem it is disadvantageous for many children to be the youngest in their class and that they fare much better in the end by being the eldest. I've no idea as my daughter and I are April born. My husband is September born and was always the youngest in his year. He did fine academically but is emotionally immature still and he's nearly 60, though that might not be because of the school system ;) September would make him the oldest in a year group (in UK system). He's Greek, so he was youngest.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 21:17
I think your best bet would to be to ask the schools where you are thinking of enrolling him - it does seem it is disadvantageous for many children to be the youngest in their class and that they fare much better in the end by being the eldest. I've no idea as my daughter and I are April born. My husband is September born and was always the youngest in his year. He did fine academically but is emotionally immature still and he's nearly 60, though that might not be because of the school system ;)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 21:07
This is off the top of my head and would suggest you use google maps to verify it - out of JBR onto SZR, direction Jebel Ali/Abu Dhabi. Take exit for Green Community/Courtyard by Marriott. At Green Community Roundabout, do not take exit for Jebel Ali or Green Community, but head towards Emirates Road. After a while, you will see a yellow sign for Sports City and Motor City - take it and you will arrive in Sports City. I hope. Sorry, no idea how long this will take but would think on a Friday morning, no longer than 30 mins. Could be wrong, as have never made this particular journey. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 27/09/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 16:36
OP, I was going to post the same thing as I have visitors coming and wanted to take them for brunch. I called Anise and Blue Orange at the Westin and neither accept Entertainer vouchers for brunch any more. :( If anyone knows of a brunch where I can get a BOGOF with vouchers let me know. Will keep an eye on this thread :) The Blue Orange Entertainer voucher specifically states it is not accepted for Friday brunch; the Latitude one says it is not accepted for Friday or Saturday brunches; the Anise one does not mention it.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 11:42
Doesn't it also depend on the culture and background involved, as well? When I see the words "Groom's Attire", I immediately think of a monkey-suit, but that's because I'm from quite a traditional English background - my Greek groom would just have worn a good suit if we'd got married in Greece, for example, but happily hired top hat and tails from Moss Bros to fit in with what I asked of him!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 10:11
I've had a look at a few old threads but they tend to focus on Catholic baptisms. My hubby and I were married at St Mary's in Dubai so we're thinking the same to Christen our baby. For those who have already done it, are we still required to go on the 'course' like the Catholic ceremonies require? The vicar that married us has now left Dubai so we would also use someone else. TIA I thought the St Mary's Church in Dubai was Catholic, in which case you would have been married by a priest, not a vicar and one of you must be Catholic to have been allowed to get married in the Catholic church? Or does St Mary's Church share the premises with a C of E congregation? Anyway, congratulations on the birth of your baby!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 10:03
Ours is usually thrown on our car windscreen before we leave for the school run at about 7.15am, but have noticed it arriving much later this week (in Meadows).
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 23:13
According to B aker & Spice's "news" it only seems to be the beginning of December: http://bakerandspiceme.com/baker-&-spice-news.html Why not ring them up and ask?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 22:28
I am so old I remember the Christmas specials! Me too ! Also the weekly "Andy Williams Show' in the sixties, which we never missed. He regularly had the Osmond Brothers on the show when they first started out. He had such an easy and relaxed style' RIP Yes, those shows were the highlight of our week (that and the Man from Uncle!). Just been reminded of the bear and the cookies - such fun! But check him out singing with Simon and Garfunkel - just beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_T7HgZKZjo
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 12:10
http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/salad-days/mixed-leaf-caesar-salad.html Delia still rules! Oh, yes, I think you're right, CP :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 10:04
Asti, that sounds good, and not too far to travel with a little one, either :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 10:03
I remember being told a long time ago that Spanish ladies rarely wash their hair at all, they let the natural oils come out and give it a lovely lustre, I believe. It may not be true nowadays, of course. I'm not sure if it's specific to Spanish ladies but some individuals (particularly long-haired women) don't wash their hair too often. I suppose it also depends on how oily your hair gets. My mom's scalp never gets oily and she can actually go a week without washing it. If I were to do that I think I could use the oil from my scalp to cook me some dinner. Gross, I know. Yes, of course, I was imagining long haired flamenco dancers and I understood they went for months without washing their hair.. Apparently, it goes through a nasty oily phase and then settles down and looks lovely..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:56
I remember being told a long time ago that Spanish ladies rarely wash their hair at all, they let the natural oils come out and give it a lovely lustre, I believe. It may not be true nowadays, of course.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:53
Wendopia, there's a big no to anchovies in our house, as well, so I've never bothered to make Caesar salad dressing myself. OP, if I were going to make it at home, I'd use this recipe, I think: http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/classic-caesar-dressing-for-caesar-salad
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:50
Tracey Beaker has had a great deal of success, I believe. Why don't you have a look at the BBC TV pages and see if anything takes your fancy? http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/programmes/genres/childrens/player/episodes
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:10
I make a creamy ceasar and always get rave reviews... Here's the recipe I use 3 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 cups mayonaise 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp lemon juice Mix all ingredients and refrigerate. Toss with romaine lettuce, croutons and additional 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan. It's very garlicky, so maybe put 2 cloves instead of 3 if you aren't a massive garlic fan ;) edited by Wendopia on 26/09/2012 Wot, no anchovies? ;)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:09
My father, a Frenchman through and through, refused to eat garlic except in an aioli and didn't particularly like rich sauces, either - he preferred his food to be simply cooked, as long as the ingredients were of the best quality available - he never ate chicken unless it was corn-fed or from Bresse, which in those days was v rare in the UK!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 08:01
To be honest, there were too many people around for our taste, but we enjoyed our time in the villa suite, looking out at the sea and ignoring the people! We had the breakfast package only, as we like to be flexible on what/when/where we eat later in the day - loved eating room service on our terrace at night when the beach was more or less empty. I think you need to look for "suites" on the hotel's room page and the beach villas show up there. We thought the children's club seemed good, but have no experience of it as our 17 year old preferred the chocolate spa treatment :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 26/09/2012</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 07:32
The villas at the Hilton Resort are lovely, particularly if you get the ground floor leading out to the garden. We found it incredibly crowded when we went last week-end, lots of northern Europeans getting their dose of sun before the winter! You'd want the Queen Deluxe Villa, which might show here! https://secure.hilton.co.uk/HiWayWeb/appmanager/portals/reservation?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=bookReservation_portlet_1&bookReservation_portlet_1_actionOverride=%2Fcom%2Fhilton%2Fhiway%2Fportlets%2Freservation%2Fbook%2FshowRooms&_pageLabel=reservationPortal_mainBook_reservationBook_reservationPage
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 07:25
We sat outside at Pierchic in 40 deg C, for our wedding anniversary lunch in May. It was lovely! I think you can eat outside there all year round, if you want to!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 20:57
Might it not be better to open an account for him in the country where he will be studying, as it seems from your post he won't be staying in the UAE?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 19:22
Wouldn't real maple syrup give a better flavour? You can buy that in Spinneys/Waitrose/Organic Cafe Shop.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 17:02
But isn't that because you or the friends whose pages you're looking at, wrote them? As I say, if you view the page as if you were someone else, only the wall posts and comments will come up - depending on your settings and what you allow people to see.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:56
OMW that is true.... ouch, some personal stuff there where a friend mailed some confidential stuff and its there for all to read. I noticed that none of my messages are exposed but all my friends private messages are on view Are you sure it's not just you who can see this? Try looking at your timeline as if you were a friend and see if you get the same stuff showing.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:46
Perhaps she might enjoy the original Tales of Mother Goose, the Contes by Charles Perrault? http://www.amazon.fr/Contes-F%C3%A9es-Classic-Beginners-French/dp/1110208405/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1348576962&sr=8-14#reader_1110208405
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 12:19
We were very impressed with the secondary classes of the UAS and would have sent our daughter there if the journey from where we live weren't so bad - we're right on the other end of the Al Khail Road and would have had to have left far too early in the morning for our teenager :) Their IB Diploma results are improving year on year, like every IB school in Dubai.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 12:03
Pierchic is brilliant - lunch outside is lovely, beautiful view of the Burj and the Madinat and the food is divine - think they do a v reasonable business menu lunch. Here you go: http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Dubai/Madinat-Jumeirah/Exclusive-Offers1/Dining-Offers/Lunch-on-the-Pier/
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 09:55
To add to what derien just said, anyone moving into any property new to them needs to ensure they have a copy of the title deeds in their hands before they pay any money as otherwise, with the new rules, they won't be able to get little things like getting DEWA to turn on the water or electricity on - or even get their residence visa renewed.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 20:40
Grey's Anatomy, Marroosh.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 20:28
The last episode is baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Tissues and cushions at the ready Nah, fraid not. Just remembered why I stopped watching it. Not found the characters particularly gripping since George died.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 17:36
This is a new requirement and you now need the title deeds to be able to do pretty much anything! You can't connect DEWA now without them. They've done it to make owners fork out the extra cash. We still don't have the title deeds from our LL and now we can't even get hold of him. This is terribly unfair on tenants who have rented in good faith, they shouldn't be penalized for the landlords' failings.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 15:31
Digressing a bit, I've just remembered that we weren't able to get a tenancy agreement until my husband had his residence visa/labour card in place. Are you saying the rules have changed since your husband got his residence visa and it is only you who needs to show the title deeds, your husband didn't? The more I think about this, the more confused I am..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 15:31
Other people's maids.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 15:24
Thanks for the reminder, didn't catch the last two epis of the last season of GA.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 14:42
Just gorged myself on the first two epis of Season 3 of Downton Abbey. Great stuff :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 14:35
Sandy1, good to hear you have till end of October and if necessary, I'm sure the school will be able to accept a further extension. Just to say that once your husband's residence visa is in place, it need only take a short time after that for your own and your daughter's ones to come through once you've had your medical - I think ours took a week all told. The only thing is, if, as someone has said, this is all now tied in to the Emirates ID, I don't know how it would work, as that whole process took a lot longer than getting the residence visa did.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 14:26
Driving with lights on all the time (daytime running lights, introduced to the UK by Volvo) is compulsory in some European countries as it has been shown to decrease serious injury and deaths in road accidents by increasing visibility of cars on the road.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 12:08
According to our school, the information about current students had to be uploaded by 23rd May 2012 for them to be registered and sure to be allowed to attend school in September. As I implied, this can hardly be applicable to students newly arrived in Dubai and there must be a way round it. If the school's registrar can't help, the next step is the Ministry and/or the KHDA. There is bound to be a solution.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 11:59
It is apparently an issue with the Ministry of Education upgrading to an online Registration System. It seems that every student in Dubai needs to be uploaded onto the online system or they will not be able to attend school. Perhaps the OP should try the MoE call centre on 80051115 and see what they say about her particular circumstances, as she surely can't be the only one in this position? Interesting i would have thought KHDA would be able to help as well. Are the Ministry and the KHDA sort of interchangeable? I just posted the number I found for the Ministry call centre in the hope it would help. With any luck, the school's registrar will have been able to explain it to the OP. There surely still must be some leeway given for new arrivals to Dubai, given how long we all know it can take for residence visas to be issued.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 11:39
Beetroot in vinaigrette with finely chopped shallots or sweet onions and freshly chopped parsley. Salivating now. Also like Borscht but not that keen on hot soups in this climate.
 
 
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