simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 10:25
We went during Ramadan last year and it was lovely. Peaceful and relaxing, just spent all our time in the pools. Enjoy!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 08:45
Have you been to Hatta Fort Hotel? That's not too far and fun to explore round there. http://www.jebelali-international.com/properties/hatta/hotel/Overview.aspx I've always wanted to go to Zighy Bay, it looks wonderful: http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesZighyBay/index.php Have a lovely time, whatever you decide :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 08:38
Sorry to swerve from the original topic, but has anyone bought an Apple machine of any kind from the online store here? If so, what was the customer service like for it?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 21:24
Thank you, na115. Anyone know if Copper Chimney's still cooking, their chaats were so good :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 21:04
OMG....making myself some channa papri with yoghurt/mint chutney for dinner now So confused - is that a Chaat combination? Yea, that one is papri chaat haha OK, I'll bite - what is papri haha? :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 20:21
My husband wants me to learn to desert drive with him, but it's my idea of h*** a not very fun thing to do. Dorter, on the other hand, would love to be co-driver but I believe isn't allowed to as she's only just turned 17, though she can probably drive better than I can in the desert.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 20:19
OMG....making myself some channa papri with yoghurt/mint chutney for dinner now So confused - is that a Chaat combination?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 14:09
They told my husband that they were sending him the secure key a month ago (for a/c here). Not seen yet.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 12:54
I've not tried it, but it looks an awful lot of work to me (writing as our maid) :) Here's the list again, for newbies! Every day: Wash clothes Ironing Clean kitchen Clean bathrooms Make beds Tidy bedrooms Every Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday: Clean furniture Clean glass tables Vacuum floors Wash floors Clean cooker top Dust off room Sunday: Change sheets on beds, wash and iron them. Change towels, wash and iron them. Wash and iron table cloth / Wash table mats. Water indoor plants. Cover outside furniture. Vacuum carpets. Monday: Clean and tidy out fridge, throw anything out of date. Wash and disinfect kitchen bin. Clean cooker properly / hob. Clean large appliances. Clean inside of microwave and oven. Tuesday: Clean inside of windows and ledges below. Dust off study / book shelves. Wednesday: Clean and polish Alex’s shoes. Water indoor plants. Thursday: Uncover, clean and arrange outdoor furniture. Clean outdoor areas and doors (entrance, patio, balconies). Once a month: Clean silver Check all wardrobes and drawers are clean and tidy. Clean top of pictures, doors, fridge, mirrors… Go through kitchen cupboards and clean interior and exterior, make sure you throw away anything out of date. Wash shower curtains in washing machine. Clean walls with sponge and water. Living Areas & Bedrooms: - All carpeting vacuumed - Vacuum, mop and dry hard floor surfaces - Stairs, mop and dry hard floor surfaces - Tidy room appearance - Dust furniture and knickknacks (damp cloth) - Make beds - General dusting Bathrooms House Cleaning: - Tile walls and bathtubs cleaned and disinfected - Shower and shower curtains cleaned and disinfected - Mirrors cleaned and shined - Sink and counters cleaned and disinfected - Floors washed and disinfected - Carpeting vacuumed - Clean and disinfect toilet - Wipe down outside cabinets, drawers and cabinet faces - General dusting Kitchen House Cleaning: - Scrub sink - Clean small counter-top appliances - Clean refrigerator exterior - Outside of range hood cleaned - Top and front of range cleaned - Drip pans cleaned - Sinks cleaned and disinfected, chrome shined - Counter-tops cleaned and disinfected - Clean outside cabinets and cabinet faces and doors - Clean exterior of large appliances - Wipe down inside and outside of microwave - Clean table and chairs - Floors cleaned and mopped - Trash emptied - General dusting
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 12:45
Thanks, October - just for once, I didn't do a search on here, yet I see I was already interested. My problem is that husbad wants me to join him on this course and dorter, who would love to go, is still too young :) What to do?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 10:17
Congratulations :) I'm afraid I can't advise you from personal experience, but perhaps this website will be of help, if you haven't already seen it? http://majesticnannies.com/Salary.html
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 11:01
Send it away to a laundry. I think they'll do simple ironing as well as washing and dry cleaning. Try Dubai Laundry. Pick up in the evening, back with you next evening.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 11:03
We've got DD's for both our cars. We pay out quite large termly school fees using online banking as well. No prob. Well that's good for you and while we had a car LOAN we were able to do a monthly payment but with a car lease you DO have to sit in there and write out all the cheques and hand them over as a guarantee. Of course you can do school payments. The fact that some things can be done online doesn't negate the fact that there ARE some things you cannot do without a cheque here. edited by spongemonkey on 27/04/2012 Ah, OK, right, I see what you mean about having to use cheques for the car lease. You'd think the signature would be the same if you wrote all the cheques out at the same time, though, wouldn't you?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 22:51
Do you have to name the tenant to the police? Could you not name the company as being in breach of contract?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 22:49
Oh, and this is great in good weather, too : http://ballenberg.ch/en/Welcome
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 22:43
I think the easternmost part of Switzerland may have been left out - Graubunden, or Les Grisons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graub%C3%BCnden - really worth the detour! I think you may be too late for the Montreux Jazz Festival, it ends July 14th. Berne is lovely. What about visiting this place, which is supposed to be great fun: http://www.swissminiatur.ch/?fuseaction=m3.21 Have a lovely time :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 19:10
Has the RERA rental calculator disappeared? I get a 404 Error when I try the link below and can't find anything like it on the RERA website any more.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 18:31
We've got DD's for both our cars. We pay out quite large termly school fees using online banking as well. No prob.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 12:42
I have a cheque come out of my account every month. I'd say six or seven times in the last two years Mashreq have bounced it because 'the signature is different'. Same amount, same beneficiary, same date, and I've had the same signature for years. They don't call me to check I wrote the cheque, they just bounce it and leave me to deal with it. Maybe that's what's happened with your tenants? Might be worth asking a friend here to pop over there and discuss it with them, or maybe give them a call? Then you can work out whether you need to be the bad guy or you can sort it out without the police. This is where online banking is your friend, DC.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 11:46
You've had lots of good ideas there, I'd go with the Eton Mess as you can just buy those ready-made small meringues from Spinneys and use those. I'm afraid I can't help you on timings as I always land up scrambling round the kitchen trying to get everything done at the same time. A couple of things - Yorkshire puddings are traditional with roast beef, not with lamb, so why add to your stress by cooking them as well? You could easily make a mint sauce, which [b'>is[/b'> traditional with lamb and very easy to make yourself - see recipe here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/realmintsauce_67706 I usually cut garlic cloves into slivers and pierce the lamb all over and put the garlic in to add flavour, as well as resting the lamb on a bed of fresh rosemary sprigs and strewing rosemary on top of the lamb whilst it's cooking. Good luck, enjoy :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 08:31
I caught the tail-end of an item about this on the radio yesterday - going to sit in the library in the quiet with no distractions seemed to be the answer to getting students to concentrate on their revision. Usual tips for any exams: read through the whole paper first; make sure you answer the question that is being asked; for essays, try and do a quick plan and follow it, hand it in even if you haven't time to finish the essay; for Maths, double check your workings/calculations; for languages, check verb agreements..
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 07:35
Is just one dose sufficient, so to speak? Should you give him some more this morning whilst he's half asleep, even if the rash is gone?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 07:33
Poor lad :( It's very debilitating, I'm afraid. With any luck, he'll make it to the end of the school year intact and then have the summer to rest and recover properly and be fine at the beginning of the new academic year. Good luck finding a new GP!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 07:19
Cymraes, I've no personal experience of glandular fever, but do remember one of my school-friends had it and it dragged on for months, going up and down, if you see what I mean, so I do think it is to be expected. But why don't you check with your son's doctor to be sure?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 16:12
Thanks, nixdxb, those sound lovely, but want to make a proper birthday cake, do you think the cupcakes would be adaptable? Beebers, I love the look of that amaretti cake, but dorter doesn't like Delia's Truffle Torte much because of the Amaretti biscuit base, so I won't try it this time, thank you. I have a cupcake stand.... Thanks, NiP, I might take you up on that. I think dorter's b'day is the day after you leave for England.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 16:09
Thank you for telling us your good news, I'm so pleased things are looking up for you all. And it's lovely to know about all the kind, helpful ladies lurking here quietly.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 15:25
How about Nigella Lawsons quadruple chocolate cake - it's absolutely divine! http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/quadruple-chocolate-loaf-cake-130 Or this old fashioned one is a big hit http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/old-fashioned-chocolate-cake-119 I make that quadruple choc cake quite regularly, so it wouldn't be "special" round here :) That old fashioned one looks worth a try. I was also wondering about the Domestic Goddess's chocolate mousse cake.. Decisions, decisions :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 13:19
Thanks, nixdxb, those sound lovely, but want to make a proper birthday cake, do you think the cupcakes would be adaptable? Beebers, I love the look of that amaretti cake, but dorter doesn't like Delia's Truffle Torte much because of the Amaretti biscuit base, so I won't try it this time, thank you.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 13:10
I'm using FF3.6.13 and am able to log in to HSBC, the only problem being I'd forgotten the password..
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 12:54
Blue spun sugar? Or just very thinly piped icing?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 11:58
That sounds very moving, Quenda. Does anyone know if there's anything like that here for Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 11:53
Whatever happened to that poor lady who was being bullied into moving by the prospective purchaser? Hope that got sorted.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 09:41
Le Marche is the supermarket at Arabian Ranches, I think.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 08:21
Not read lately, but I do like a nice Maeve Binchy for a bit of comfort reading. "Evening Class" is my favourite of hers.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 08:08
As you know, the UK equivalent is Armistice Day, and whilst reading about ANZAC Day, I found this: The First Two Minute Silence in London (11 November 1919) was reported in the Manchester Guardian on 12 November 1919: The first stroke of eleven produced a magical effect. The tram cars glided into stillness, motors ceased to cough and fume, and stopped dead, and the mighty-limbed dray horses hunched back upon their loads and stopped also, seeming to do it of their own volition. Someone took off his hat, and with a nervous hesitancy the rest of the men bowed their heads also. Here and there an old soldier could be detected slipping unconsciously into the posture of 'attention'. An elderly woman, not far away, wiped her eyes, and the man beside her looked white and stern. Everyone stood very still ... The hush deepened. It had spread over the whole city and become so pronounced as to impress one with a sense of audibility. It was a silence which was almost pain ... And the spirit of memory brooded over it all. RIP.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 23:07
Oooh, Elle, you're right, that looks AbFab, but not for my chocolate-oriented dorter, I'm afraid :) May have to make it for our wedding anniversary, though! Irooni, I KNOW :) What are they thinking? But apparently, according to a BBC Radio 4 play I heard, it's quite delicious! http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/haveyourcake_recipes.shtml Week 1 recipe - I still hesitate to try it, wonder if anyone else has?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 22:57
why do people need to take the maid for a family day out ? i know lots do...i just don't get it... Watch your words, Sue, obviously we're not talking about maids here, but nannies. Spot the difference. That's the thing though simples... many people here treat maids as nannies, and it is no difference.... Us Dubai women are often very pampered, and I think when you compromise your morals and mores for those of another society one at least needs to be able to accept criticism.... two pence :) i guess irony must be a British thing !!!! lolol It's certainly not in the EW range of emoticons :\:
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 22:40
why do people need to take the maid for a family day out ? i know lots do...i just don't get it... Watch your words, Sue, obviously we're not talking about maids here, but nannies. Spot the difference.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 21:47
"Afterwards" by Rosamund Lupton, who also wrote "Sisters".
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 15:07
Before I Go to Sleep - S J Watson - brilliant book I just read up on this one last night! Really good then? Absolute Kindle presser - I stayed up all night reading it :) Found the last chapter a little facile, but apart from that, it was excellent :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:38
Hey, Pinks - the direct opposite of my experience with hormonal headaches. Hmm. Not much help for the OP, hey :(
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 21:37
Hi, Whites, welcome. I don't know how old you are, but I just wanted to tell you that I used to have the most appalling menstrual cramps (so much so my husband didn't realize I was truly in labour as my contractions weren't much worse than my period pains had been), but as I got to my mid-forties and the perimenopause, I started getting atrocious headaches, which worsened into full-blown migraines, just before and at the beginning of my periods. I just went to my GP in Switzerland, and he gave me strong migraine relief tablets, (Zomig, if I recall correctly) which may not be available/legal here. The headaches were definitely hormonal related, now I've more or less finished menopause, I very rarely get them, touch wood. I used to have to take the tablet the moment I sensed the onset of the migraine and stay in a darkened room for a day or two. I'm sorry I can't give you a name of someone to see, perhaps you could try a gynaecologist if you don't have a GP you can trust? Good luck with it, I know it's unbelievably wretched.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 20:47
My condolences on your Gramps's death, Izsy. Personally, I hate funerals and wouldn't go to my own except I think I'll be obliged to be there. They are definitely for those who are left behind, it's up to you to know how you would feel if you missed this opportunity to say farewell to your beloved Grandfather, whether or not you want to go to support your remaining family in their loss also comes into it. RIP.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:18
Just wanted to add, am also impressed with the structure for careers advice and university (or other) applications. WIS has high hopes for their Year 13 results this year - we'll see.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 06:42
Next week-end nothing, the following week-end on the 6th of May ... well ... Thanks for pointing that out, Quizzme. Please excuse my ignorance, for some reason I mistakenly assumed the second round of voting was always the week-end following the first.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 23:21
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/french-election-blog-2012/2012/apr/22/french-elections-2012-france
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 21:48
I was sitting next to a woman on an EK flight in business class (dh's company buy the tickets, not that I am trying to qualify this of course).. Anyway, she spent the entire time using her bare feet to change the channels, stretching out her toes to press the right button on the Telly! I didn't say anything, but tutted quite a lot and she got the message! ok, that is major laziness or plain stupidity. lol I thought everyone in BC did that, except me? The ones I've had the pleasure of sitting next to have done, anyway. I thought I was just malformed ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 21:11
If it weren't for the ghastly roundabout, we'd have been living at the Green Community in a heartbeat. I think the nearer to town centre alternatives/almost equivalents are in Emirates Living. But that's probably because we live here :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 12:29
I'm going to be hammered for saying this, but there are nannies such as Norland Nannies, who are properly trained as nannies, with diplomas from accredited colleges and who cost their weight in gold and then there are nannies who are housemaids by another name, whose only qualification to be called nannies is that they've had children they've left at home in the care of other people. I think the ones you are talking about may well be the latter.. totally agree ... It would appear I'm wrong: http://majesticnannies.com/Salary.html makes interesting reading. wow...and here's me thinking nanny is just a title people here give to their maids because they expect them to look after the children as well !!! :D Where on earth would you get [b'>that[/b'> idea, Sue?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 11:58
I'm going to be hammered for saying this, but there are nannies such as Norland Nannies, who are properly trained as nannies, with diplomas from accredited colleges and who cost their weight in gold and then there are nannies who are housemaids by another name, whose only qualification to be called nannies is that they've had children they've left at home in the care of other people. I think the ones you are talking about may well be the latter.. totally agree ... It would appear I'm wrong: http://majesticnannies.com/Salary.html makes interesting reading.
 
 
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