Sirocca | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sirocca

Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 18:26
Another glowing review for Dasa based on their help in unpacking our stuff. They also arrange storage if needed. Will definitely use them when we leave.
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 16:58
Actually, Skykitty, picking up on your advice re food, can we bring food pouches with us? The type we can buy in shops? If not acceptable, can you buy them after passport control? Or should we order a baby meal onboard?
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 14:51
Thanks so much for all the advice. I will get on the case right away!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 12:06
Wow, thanks so much Ladies. We are flying with a little one and as much as I dread the prospect of being up in the air together for 14 hours, it is more appealing than a 25 hour journey :-o
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 15:27
TDB, not one size fits all and everyone has a pattern that fits around job hours, kids bedtime etc etc. Best to think about what kind of table culture you want your kids to grow up with and go from there. By the way, I much prefer your style. The trick is to convince your husband to meet you halfway and give your child healthy table manners. Finally, as a new mother, you have every right to expect your hubby to cook for himself!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 12:13
I agree with Browneyedgirl: safety recommendations are constantly changing with technological advances. It is difficult to know which advice is the most up to date. As long as the child is buckled up and the seat installed correctly (with airbags turned off if in the front), the OP should not interfere. I personally believe in rear facing seats at the back. Doesnt mean I will pull other people up on not following these guidelines. With regards to breaking the law, this lady knows what the deal is if she gets caught. End of.
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 12:02
The recipe in the link is not strictly how they are done in Spain. First you need to fry the onion, gently to make them soft, then you add the sliced potatoes and again fry them on low heat to soften them up (beware not to turn them into chips!) I usually pour a lot of oil to make sure they are evenly cooked (and reuse for the next tortilla once or twice). Once the onion/ potato mixture is cooked, I drain the oil and mix with the eggs, season as required, then cook like a regular omelette on medium heat. When one side is reasonably set, I flip the omelette (put a plate on top of the pan, flip and slide gently such that it doesn't break) and finish off by cooking the other side. Once all done, it is a good idea to wrap in kitchen paper to soak up some of the grease and consume when it has cooled down a bit. The rule of thumb is one onion (the more the sweeter it will be), and one potato per egg and person. And yes it takes a few attempts but after that you will not look back :-) <em>edited by Sirocca on 18/01/2013</em>
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 12:07
I saw them at Justkidding
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 08:18
Thanks Cushion! I will give them a try!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 21:01
Gentle bump. Anyone please?
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 17:02
After my C section, I found that a combination of Hiit training and reformer pilates were deadly efficient. Hiit for cardio and burning off fat, and reformer pilates to pull it together, especially the stomach area, a couple of times a week at least, and things happened very quickly. I also walked everywhere I could, which was fine because my baby would nap in the stroller. I had gained more than I hoped, and by the time I was able to exercise I was still at least 10kg over my normal weight. I ate normally, nothing too strict and allowing myself some chocolate and ice cream here and there. Both hiit and reformer are fairly intense, but they are excellent use of your time and get results fast. Ps: dont launch into hiit until after 2-3 months. The last you want to do is to damage your stitches!! TDB, I agree with SweetSugar, 5kgs extra after 6 weeks is amazeballs! <em>edited by Sirocca on 09/01/2013</em>
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 14:01
I used a Moby wrap with my newborn and loved it! The baby was extremely comfy and the weight was well distributed across the back and shoulders. When he started weighing more, I tried the Baby Bjorn which neither my husband nor me liked very much as we found it placed too much weight on the shoulders. Now that our baby is 10 months, we are using the Ergo baby and we are very happy with it: it distributes the weight across the waist and the back, which makes it perfect for carrying larger babies. In retrospect I think Ergo is the best for long term use. I think they also sell an insert for newborns. A friend lent me the Baba sling but am not a fan of single shoulders carriers as it places too much pressure on one side.
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 22:42
SaslB, can you elaborate on the scam? I am in the process of signing for an appartment owned by a company based abroad. Any nuggets of info would be most helpful!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 20:46
Ok I will most definitely triple check everything with Rera. One of the properties I am looking at has been bought by a company, so do I still need the LL passport and visa copy? By LL I mean company owner. Apart from the power of attorney, which other documentation do I need to check all legalities are in place?
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2012 - 17:33
Thanks Everyone! This is such a minefield. I am not even sure I could recognise title deeds documentation that's not legitimate. If a fraudster is incentivised enough to swindle people out of their money, surely they can produce some counterfeit documentation. Anyway, wish me luck!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2012 - 15:54
Thanks Spongemonkey. Do you mean the card issued by Rera? Their business card always seem to feature a Rera no.
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 18:49
Sorry to hear what happened to your friend. Just to clarify, at which point should I hand over deposit and agency fee? Deposit with contract and keys, or is signed contract sufficient? I am not sure I want to pay the agency fee until everything is in order and I have viewed the property at the very least, but I wonder what everyone's experience is?
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 17:48
Interesting... We also happen to be looking for a place and found something. The agent (from BH) is keen to receive the deposit and agency fee to 'secure' the place. Only then will the contract be issued. Is this standard practise? Am I right in insisting we should only pay if both signed contract and keys are exchanged at the same time?
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 20:53
Thanks so much for these tips everyone. I am definitely also planning on visiting the buildings myself and asking the security guys. You really have to take the matters into your own hands here. Thanks again!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 13:40
I ordered 3 items but one is the wrong size. Looks like we can return using skynet for 13-15usd so that might be reasonable painless. I will email today to make sure they know I only just received the item and they give me some time to return the item. Still, the saving is worth the hastle lol I know what you mean re the item looking different. It is annoying because you would have thought they would make every effort to portray the items as close to reality as possible lol
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 12:54
Oh wow, so did I, an hour ago. Must be Asos Delivery Day today! Mabrouk!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 13:09
I am with you Vagabonda. Dubai is a pretty neat combination of East and West. The language barrier is definitely not an issue, compared with other destinations, including European countries, and it offers a lifestyle that caters for most western/anglo saxon tastes, yet with an oriental twist. Agreed it is tough if, for example, you are not a seasoned expat and you have strong ties back home, but give yourself time and understanding. It will take at least 6 months to a year to feel settled, so take it easy on yourself and try to enjoy it for what it has to offer. Which is plenty as other posters already mentioned. I arrived here 2 months ago, and reserving my judgment until at least next year :-) Good luck!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 17:15
Oh dear, I just placed my 1st order with Asos from Dubai, been 2 weeks, bracing myself for a long wait...
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 08:20
I didn't expect returns to be free, but since a lot of expats seem to use this company, I thought there might be insights into how this is handled. Agreed it is so unlikely that someone will return sthg before it is received. And not necessarily down to sellers error. It is not so unusual to pick the wrong size item before you find the right fit. But if I use S&S for clothes it needs to be cost effective.
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 22:23
So I have been contemplating using Shop and ship to do my online shopping. My only reservation is when it comes to clothes. In the past, I have on several occasions returned items which didn't fit. Question is: does S&S handle returns (if at all)? If so, how well does it work?
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 10:08
The killing 3 is expected in November in the UK http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2012/sep/18/the-killing-series-three-review If you like the killing, I cannot recommend Spiral (engrenages) enough. It is gritty, complex and thoroughly enjoyable. I think they are on their 4th series now, so lots to catch up on. Breaking Bad is simply fabulous, although I do have to watch with my heart tablets/valium in one hand, g&t in the other lol
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2012 - 09:17
How interesting re hyperacusis. I realised certain noises drive me up the wall (same for my mum) but did not know it was a condition. Examples: loud tv ( must be as low as possible), cars, noisy shopping malls impact my mood in ways that can be construed as irrational. Come to think of it, there's plenty of that in Dubai. Now where is that convent...
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 22:54
6 feet under, true blood, spiral, friday night lights, the killing, the good wife.. Think I might watch too much tv...
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:18
Ok, what about a good neurologist anywhere here? Starting to wonder if I am the only one with this condition... Recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 08:51
Thanks Zebra55, anyone in particular? Can be outside Jumeirah1 too as I am more interested in finding a good specialist. Thanks very much!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 13:32
Thanks very much FF! Currently downloading HiiT as I love cardio stuff :-)
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 12:53
Fairfield, I love the look of Cathe Friedrich workouts. Any particular one you would recommend. She has a ton!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 14:10
Aw, thanks Ladies, will check these out! Luuurrve Les Mills classes!
Sirocca
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 11:56
Well done Newtodubai! That's an amazing achievement! I also recommend the Les Mills group exercises classes such as Body Attack or Body Pump. BA 2/3x a week helps me keep pretty trim, as long as you go for high intensity interval cardio classes and mix them up with yoga/pilates type of classes. I think Fitness First and Dubai Ladies club run these classes. Another great resource if you don't have much time and can exercise at home is the Beachbody Insanity dvd program. Not for the faint hearted and requires minimum fitness to start with, but fantastic results. You seem on top of the healthy eating :-) Good luck!
 
 
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