sourskittleashnut | ExpatWoman.com
 

sourskittleashnut

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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2014 - 15:09
this happened to me too, when my brand new car was just 3 months old too :( it was a Honda Accord, theres thousands of it in Dubai I was so upset, I had parked in the Dubai Marina paid parking. I was in the corner where people don’t even need to cross to get in to the mall, so it definitely wasn’t a mistake, they deliberately keyed it all the side across 2 doors and went to the bumper.. security didn’t have cameras there. I just had to live with the scratch. Some people are just pathetic :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 19:59
I highly recommend Zantac. DD is 2 years old and takes 1.5ml every 12 hours.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 19:57
My 2 year old has been at Inspire nursery for over a year now and I absolutely love it. She naps about 2 hours around lunch and I've dropped in a few times to check on her during nap time and she always looks comfortable and relaxed. In terms of staff and facilities I highly recommend the nursery as well, have absolutely no complaints. Currently for summer camp she is at Learning Tree nursery in Executive towers, its a small nursery so their nap room is small but DD is well rested though. I changed her for summer since Inspire is closed for 3.5 weeks end of August for renovations, they open 9 September and they are going to have a bigger play area and do a lot of fixing up so I'm looking forward to seeing it after summer :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 08:51
Hi, I also needed a nursery summer camp close to Trade Centre and I put my DD in Learning Tree nursery in Executive towers. It sounds far but once you're at trade centre, you take that road straight down, you cross DIFC on that road and as you're approaching Dubai Mall, on the left there is an underpass that takes you straight to Executive Towers and the nursery is on that side too. I'm really happy with them, the staff is great and it's a small cosy nursery. They take from 1 year old till 8 years. Prices are reasonable too. They start from 8am though :\ [url=https://www.facebook.com/learningtreenurserydubai'>https://www.facebook.com/learningtreenurserydubai[/url'> <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 05/08/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 August 2014 - 16:31
Hi, I'm a graphic designer, I recommend you post on Nabbesh.com your requirements and what your budget is, and freelancers will get back to you if they are interested, with their portfolio so you can see samples of their work. I know of a few people who found designers this way and are happy with it :) Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 21:46
Union Coop on Wasl is open 24 hours. They have a department store section upstairs.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 11:40
mushypeas is referring to Al Samadi Sweets, and they really do have the best baklava I've had here, much better than Al Reef and Reem Al Bawadi. They are far though in Deira but totally worth it. Also, Feras Sweets on Dhiyafa (2nd December Street) is supposed to be good, never tried it myself though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 09:47
Oh I dont know why it didnt register your LO is 10 months - a stage 2 formula should work just fine with no reaction.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 09:34
Have you tried Goats Milk? You can find it Spinneys - fresh as well as the long life type. My 2 year old doesnt do well with cows milk either and her paediatrician recommended goats milk and it suited her just fine.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2014 - 19:43
Thanks so much for reply, it's such a relief! InshaAllah the process will be smooth for us too :) I will check with HR on Sunday Thanks again!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2014 - 10:12
Hi, I recommend giving Lynda.com a try before enrolling in any institute. After university I knew intermediate InDesign and basic Illustrator and Photoshop, but with the tutorials I've learned sooo much more. Also I had zero knowledge of web design and learned everything through there, where now I can make a website from scratch, though I prefer to use Wordpress to customise themes through CSS. Their design principles courses are super helpful too. Since you already know a bit of design, I think Lynda is the way to go. You can choose what interests you more and focus on those subjects - for instance, I don't need to know a lot of Illustrator because it's more for logos and illustrators. I learned a lotttt of InDesign because I use it 90% of the time at work so I could be more thorough with it. Photoshop I needed to know colour correction more than anything for my job so I just focused on that in the video tutorials. If you enrol in an institute, I feel like you would have to go more by their curriculum, I liked the flexibility of choosing tutorials from Lynda. Bets of luck :) <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 09/07/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2014 - 09:49
Hi, I'm a graphic designer, I got a degree from AUD so I'm not familiar with the training centres. My advice is if you want to learn design principles (colour theory, layout grid, etc) then you can do some courses if these training centres provide them. If you are interested in learning the softwares, I recommend Lynda.com video tutorials, I've used them to teach myself web design (HTML5, CSS) and wordpress and they are fantastic, you can learn at home at your own pace. They also have a range of Adobe tutorials starting from Beginner to Expert, which I've also used to refine my software knowledge. They also offer some design principles courses too such as layout and composition, typography and using colour in design. You can browse here: [url=http://www.lynda.com/Design-training-tutorials/40-0.html'>http://www.lynda.com/Design-training-tutorials/40-0.html[/url'> Good luck! edited by sourskittleashnut on 08/07/2014 <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 08/07/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 10:31
Hi Geordie Expat, How did you like Dr Andreas? Hope you're feeling better :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 14:27
Thanks for your replies Only1Renoir and mannikat! Very helpful :) I really liked the look of [b'>Learning Tree Nursery[/b'>, does anyone else here send their kids there? <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 01/07/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 11:19
I see Dr Andreas at Mediclinic Dubai Mall and I highly recommend him, he has a very nice manner about him and was spot on with his diagnosis of my flat foot, shoulder pain and minor scoliosis. He also did a chiropractic adjustment for me and was fantastic.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 15:18
I taught myself coding all through Lynda.com - not sure if its geared towards kids, but its explained in a very easy to learn manner.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 09:52
Wow I was the OP and didn't check the thread until today, and woweee this thread has gone a whole other direction! Not sure who this Fams80 is but thanks for hijacking my thread :p It seems like you cant afford a maid right now, plain and simple truth. To keep a maid, you need a bigger house and you owe her her own space. You cant expect her to feel comfortable sharing with 3 kids, and I dont know how you could be comfortable with your kids sleeping with a stranger. It all sounds very unusual to me. We live in a 1 BR right now and I cant imagine that (even if UAE law allowed it) I would keep a maid in my house and tell her to sleep in the living room, or worse, alone in the room with my DD, with no place for her to have privacy. I posted my initial post because we are planning on moving end of this year inshaAllah to a bigger house (with a maids room :p) so we can finally sponsor a maid, and seems like the rules keep changing all the time! My friend tried to bring a maid over from the Philippines last month and there were lots of delays and confusion because of the difference in rules. <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 25/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 09:16
Wow I'm so shocked that cheeky agent tried to charge you! I used to work at Better Homes (I'm not an agent!) and I can tell you they do not charge for viewings at all, ever. Some real estate agents really are despicable.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 14:21
I see Dr Andreas at Mediclinic Dubai Mall, he's fantastic!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 09:30
We are hoping to move to Executive towers end of this year, hopefully the rents will be going down soon too (insha'Allah!) Im in love with the new park area and the thought of having a Spinneys downstairs! [b'>Some questions:[/b'> - Is the new mosque near South Ridge at a walking distance (in nice weather) - Is there only one exit to get from SZR which is the Emirates Holidays/Marriott one, into the Exec Towers area? There always seems to be so much traffic there, surely there should be another way to get in - I heard there was a nursery actually in Executive Towers, is this true? Thanks ladies!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 16:46
Actually I'm working on the DSW ad campaign which is how I know about the facilities, haven't been there myself yet I do know that a lot of people bring kids there, and they have some great academies for kids too BTW it opens tomorrow (11 Sep) and you can play anything for FREE all day :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 14:59
Amazon USA delivers to UAE directly through FedEx/DHL (no need for Aramex for shop and ship), which even with shipping is cheaper. I bought DD a Fisher Price Jumperoo which with shipping (and it';s massive and heavy) came to 400dhs only, and it costs 800dhs in Dubai at ELC. Just make sure on Amazon it says "Ships Directly from Amazon.com" which means they will deliver to UAE. Takes about 4-5 days to arrive. <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 10/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 June 2014 - 13:57
Yes there are segregated showers :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2014 - 20:25
You're entitled to being paranoid, it is very scary to leave your kids with someone new! I've never had a full time maid, I had a part-time maid/babysittier from a babysitting agency for a few weeks and the first time I asked her to watch my 1.5 year old DD while I took a shower was the most panicked and quick shower I've taken. The whole time I was imagining all these scary scenarios - none of them came true of course, DD was playing happily with her when I came out, but it's natural to feel worried. Take your time and observe her the next few weeks before you start work, and first few days if you can leave early, just come home earlier than expected so you can see how she is spending her time with them. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 18:54
Badminton, gym and running track are free from what I know
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 18:32
DD goes to Inspire Nursery that mrssak mentioned below, they are fantastic my 2 year old has been going since she was 11 months and she is super happy. They take from 6 months+ and are just behind Umm Suqeim spinneys https://www.facebook.com/inspirechildrensnursery <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 02/06/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 12:21
Yup same, I had put 12345 as the PO Box number lol, it just got sent back to the shipper, I checked at Rashidiya etc but I had gone too late to check :( Just go to Rashidiya to check, there were other people checking too and one person was lucky enough that their package was still there
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 15:25
Thanks so much for the advice and replies ladies! So I'm not pregnant, and even though I was happy that AF showed up, there was a part of me that was sad that there was no LO on the way :\ Good thing about this is that DH and I realised we do want another baby, before we thought we were happy with just one, but now we see how amazing it would be to have another. Just right now is a bad time since DH is between jobs and going through a "what do I want to do in my career" phase and I'm leaving work to spend time with DD more, so things seem too uncertain right now! Thanks again :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 09:39
Personally I think the best gift you can give kids is books, at that budget you could get him a nice book set. Any time it's a kids bday I always buy books or activities - they last a long time, kids can read them again and again, and they won't break! I guess I'm not the kids fave aunty tho haha I used to spoil my nephew with big fancy toys from Hamleys that cost 600+ only for most of them to break or for him to lose interest after a few weeks, I just found it such a waste! For DD I have about 3 big toys (ELC whizz garage, leap frog table) and legos blocks etc and lotssss of books
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 15:11
Thanks for the info ladies!! If the Undergraduate degree is from an American university, can the Masters be done from a UK one?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 14:13
I totally agree with Daza. Kids can learn ABC from iPads, but they will learn so much more if a person, ideally a parent, teaches the ABC to them, as Daza said a hug when they get something right, a slight correction if they get something wrong. For instance, if anyone has seen Dora the Explorer, she'll ask a question, wait 3 seconds and then say "yes you got it right!' or something like that, and the kid could have got it totally wrong, or not said anything at all! As much as TV and iPads can try to replace human learning, they just cant. I think kids have the rest of their life for iPads and TV, no need to get them hooked now. That said, you can use the iPad on a flight just to calm your kids down, and once the flight is over just say iPad games are part of the airplane ride, they dont work anywhere else :P
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 13:42
Hi, I had scoliosis with a 20% curve, due to a difference in length in my legs, and physio didnt do much for me. I regulary now see Dr Jose at Manchester Clinic and she has been fantastic, more like life changing. She uses the DORN method and through massage and manipulation over time she was able to straighten out my back. To the point where, during and after pregnancy I was worried my curve would come back, but I followed the exercises she gave me and it didnt! She is also a lovely person and great at explaining everything thoroughly. I highly recommend you take your daughter to her, before going down the route of a back brace. Clinic number is 04 349 7008. <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 28/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 09:22
Hi I received the exact message also signed off as Mehwish! Definitely a scam!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 09:02
I also have a spirited 2 year old, very independent and knows what she wants! She’s definitely more of a handful than other 2 year olds I’ve seen and I knew I had to encourage her confidence but at the same time make sure she’s disciplined - nobody wants a brat! Right now I’m reading “Positive Discipline: the toddler years” and next I’m going to read “Happiest toddler on the block” both these books have great techniques on understanding toddlers, and helped me see her determination is a good thing and that she is just testing the world, she doesn’t actually not listen to me as defiance (too young for that). So for instance, today morning she wanted to sit on the kitchen counter so she could watch me make her breakfast, which is dangerous of course, so I said she couldn’t and I could tell she was about to start screaming hysterically, so I said “why don’t you go to your kitchen (she has a toy one) and make me something too, I’m so hungry!” and she got excited and went and started making something - she got distracted and forgot about the kitchen counter. Distraction really does work.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 11:49
Felt it too, there was a 5.2 earthquake off Iran http://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=9f21d1f8cadc6d64&hl=en&gl=AE&source=web
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 11:53
Why don't you just stop doing what he moan about, and let him do it to his liking? that should make him know what you are doing and appreciate it. Just a thought. Sometimes, no matter what you do, it's just not going to be good enough. That's why. I love DH to bits but lately he has been driving me up the wall too. No big reason, just me feeling unappreciated since I'm juggling so many things (full time job, taking care of DD and housework with no full time help, running a small business on the side) so I dont get time to clean the house properly or I'm too tired to give him a head massage at night, and I'm made to feel like I'm uncaring. It's part of marriage, life etc. Any time you live with a person you are not going to get along 100% of the time. It's either this, or not get married and live life alone, which works for some people but not me *sigh* [b'>@fedup[/b'> hang in there, no ones life is perfect though some people act like it, it's just how life is and we have to get through the tough times and they will make us learn a lot. Patience is difficult but sometimes the only option. Also, throwing things at the wall (when you're alone) helps! I love this quote: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 26/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 09:06
[b'>Tattie Bogie[/b'> where did you find them online, if you dont mind sharing? I love wide leg trousers too, mainly Palazzo trousers. :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 12:09
uggghhh... wish there was a way to attach a photo on this forum!! Link to photo: [url=https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4172972/KHDAletter.jpg'>https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4172972/KHDAletter.jpg[/url'> It says: "KG1/FS2 children registering for the academic year 2014-2015 will have to be 4 years old by 31 December 2014" <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 19/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 11:13
50 AED for each item. why so many Thumbing down? People are bored.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:57
I called Jumeirah Primary School, they said there is no change yet in their policy and they are "sticking to the same dates"
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:53
Oops thanks for correcting that! <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 19/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:43
not sure whether this is relevant or not but my DD's school has released the following notification: KHDA age regulations Added on 15 May 2014 Letters from the KHDA have recently been sent to all Dubai schools regarding new regulations about age limits of children at school. Please be aware that these new regulations will have no impact on Horizon as we are a British Curriculum School. All classes and children will remain as they are. If you have any concerns please contact school. Kind regards Horizon School Wait, so this isn't for British schools? not sure... all I was saying it that this is the notification parents of students in school and those expecting to start school this September were sent... The article does say "KG Policy" maybe it doesnt apply to schools that have FS classes... Journalism in Dubai is outstanding.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:39
not sure whether this is relevant or not but my DD's school has released the following notification: KHDA age regulations Added on 15 May 2014 Letters from the KHDA have recently been sent to all Dubai schools regarding new regulations about age limits of children at school. Please be aware that these new regulations will have no impact on Horizon as we are a British Curriculum School. All classes and children will remain as they are. If you have any concerns please contact school. Kind regards Horizon School Wait, so this isn't for British schools?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:38
So my son was born in June 2012. When should he start FS 1? He's close to my DD who is July 2012, so they would start 2016 it seems! Edited: removed wrong schedule <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 19/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:33
Thank ladies, i have never looked into agencies as it never crossed my mind before. Can any of you recommend a good agency that will do fridays and saturdays? Molly Maids are great and come on Saturdays too, 35 dhs per hour. There is also the option, if your budget allows, to have a live-in 24/6 (I think they require a day per week off!) with visa costs everything done for you, for AED3000 a month. Howdra does this. <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 19/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 10:15
Thanks for clarifying SEY83. I am quite happy about this since DD would have been the youngest in her class but according to this she'll be smack in the middle which is great. Also, hopefully she can get into JESS now which was closed for 2015 :D
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 09:53
My friend took her LL to court he didnt give enough notice, she won and he kept the rent the same as before. You need to fight and you will win. Most LL's just think they can bully and tenants will be too scared to actually go to authorities.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 09:51
I use Groupon a LOT and they are valid, but for salon deals (which I use mostly) not all salons are good. Nadia Beauty Style is fantastic and has some great deals. There's a M*** SPA which is nothing like a spa (I thought) and the massage was terrible.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 09:45
The govt should release a chart to show the dates of birth and what age group they fall into, like the Kings school website does (needs to be updated now of course): http://www.kingsdubai.com/content/view/493/149/ [b'>YEAR GROUP[/b'>...........FROM.................TO [b'>2017[/b'>.................01/09/2013.................31/08/2014 [b'>2016[/b'>.................01/09/2012.................31/08/2013 [b'>2015[/b'>.................01/09/2011.................31/08/2012 [b'>2014[/b'>.................01/09/2010.................31/08/2011 My DD is July 2012 so would have been Sep 2015, now not sure :\ <em>edited by sourskittleashnut on 19/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 09:34
WHAT this is so confusing?!? Gosh their copywriter needs to learn to phrase things properly