susandiaz | ExpatWoman.com
 

susandiaz

susandiaz
298
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Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 14:35
I second the plant souq. Its dead cheap as well. The largest size was about 100 (at least 300 outside). Totally worth the drive.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 13:55
Awwww... cuteness! Good luck figuring it out :)
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 18:51
I have an ancient Black and Decker one that still functions. Its the kind that has a chopper blade that does the fine mincing, pureeing and bringing together dough (not kneading) and the top blades for grating, slicing etc. Very basic, very cheap at the time. But I'm not sure what the updated model is now. On the other hand, I have the Kenwood Chef (don't know which model but it has all the bells and whistles). The mixer and kneading attachment are great but I had bought it over a KitchenAid at the time because it came bundled with a lot of attachments - including a blender. The blender blade rusted when I washed it after the first use (I washed and left it on the drainboard like I've done with the loads of much cheaper blenders I've had before). The part was replaced and it happened again. At which point I said give me my money back since its a health and safety issue - which the company refused (through Sharaf DG). Since then I've been a bit wary of Kenwood and anything involving blades.
susandiaz
298
Posts
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Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 20:24
Watching it now, is it a repeat? Yes, bummer! Whats going on I wonder. Was sooooo enjoying the new episodes.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 19:19
To the best of my knowledge, they don't stock anything beyond 1 and 2 here (not entirely clear if they even make them). But I've never been able to find them and I have checked practically EVERYWHERE. My baby girl had a similar problem. What worked for her is Pampers Premium. Sanita Bambi as well is pretty good but I've only ever tried it for shorter day time use.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 14:56
Susan, I emailed you :) Got it thanks :).
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 13:14
Hi Alismum, If Ninasimone isn't interested, I am happy to take it off you. Apr04, which one do you have, and how much do you want for it? My email is susanpriyadiaz at gmail dot com if either of you want to reply offline Thanks!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 12:26
My gyn is Dr Yuliya Mikhael who's now with Cooper clinic. She delivers at Medcare and now at American Hospital as well I think. She was previously with City Hospital but moved to a clinic. I cannot say enough good things about her. She saw me from about the 11 week mark all the way through. I had to have an emergency C in the end and she was wonderful through it. Brilliantly done with me up and walking in less than 18 hours. I chose to move with her to Cooper rather than find someone else though she let her patients know she was leaving ahead of time (not where she was going until the end though because she's very ethical and professional like that). Even though Cooper does not offer direct billing and the paper work is a hassle and you don't always get the entire sum back, to me it was fully worth it! I have reviewed Medcare on here too. You'll hear loads of horror stories but to me it was reasonably balanced. It is very medicalised in its approach to birth, but if you are clear about what you want and not afraid to insist on it, you will get it. Overall being pregnant with and giving birth to my first baby in Dubai was a much better experience that I had expected. Good luck!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 12:11
Trying to locate Chipotle Paste, anyone know where I can get it??? I have tried C4 Mirdiff Choithrams Silicon Oasis and Spinneys Cedre. Thx ladies I've got chipotle in adobo before at Lulu in Barsha.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 13:41
Ace Hardware. They have precut wood in boxes. AED 20 if i remember right. Also Choitrams usually have it.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 13:40
Coffe Bean and Tea Leaf has it. In their premium tea bag range. Just needs brewing and milk for a pretty good 'chai tea latte' at home :). Expensive compared to Lipton (which is dreadful I think :p) - 25 or so for about 20 tea bags. But way lower than what it'd cost for a cup at a coffee shop. Enjoy!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 12:25
Kts 2 small tips I can offer... Hope they help. The first is that I learned from one of the books I read that an easy way to get a stuck burp up is: hold your baby facing you in a sitting upright position. Gently twist the upper torso about 30-45 degrees left, hold for a couple of seconds and then bring round to the right. And repeat about 2 or 3 times. This is meant to help the burp up by working on the diaphragm. Can't remember exactly where I read this I think it was one of the supernanny lady's books. Anyway it used to work for my little girl when nothing else did. The other thing is an old home remedy to help things out the other end :). Lie your baby down on her back and push her knees up against her chest (the same way you would if you were huggin your knees). Hold for a few seconds and then release and repeat about 5-10 times. Worked so well for the little lady that sometimes she'd start fire before I was done! ;) Don't be afraid to put a little pressure.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 12:12
I am so sorry for your loss Greenish. May god give you and your family the strength to overcome this.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 22:27
Whatsapp can be used on a wireless connection as well. No charge.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 22:24
Then I would just wait it out I guess. No point making any changes at this point. Hang in there... I know its really hard. But hopefully it'll all be better soon. Good luck and loads of positive vibes.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 14:53
Yes its AED 1000. Found it somewhere on the Dubai Customs website. But be careful. They tend to just check the total on the invoice (so its not just the value of the goods, sometimes they include the shipping as well :\: ). Happened to me once!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 14:02
Firstly, since you're new here, you'll find that getting a qualified nanny here is very hard. Most agencies that say they provide them only give you a reasonably educated filipina with experience. 'Nanny/maid' is the more common alternative. This is a bit of a hot debate on here, but taking into account that that is really the only option for short term, here are some details... From research I've done (for a different reason though) on help for a few months. There are 2 agencies that provide it. One is an agency called Howdra, and one is called Explorer. Do a search on here, I've posted the details before. If you don't find it, let me know and I'll post again. Both provide all day (though live in) help either for a few months or for a minimum commitment of a year (the only variant being cost). It was about AED 3000 per month for the part time option (plus a deposit of about 5K which is refundable). You also have to provide accommodation as I said and about 250 for food (you could ask if the accommodation can be outside if you pay for it I guess). You can interview the candidates and they'll find you alternatives in case it doesn't work out for some reason with the one you've chosen. They also offer a trial service for about AED 500, I think for a few days. Not sure of exact duration. Their costs cover everything - visa, insurance etc. Obviously the downside is that the girls themselves get paid very little - under a 1000 :(. If we had gone through with it, our plan was to pay more separately to the girl (it would have still worked out cheaper than sponsoring and we were desperate at the time and this was the only legal alternative). In the end, we found full time help quite quickly and didn't have to use it. There are mixed reviews on this, some people I know are very happy though, and some reviews I've read on here are downright terrible. But thats just the case in Dubai when you want help I beginning to see. Hope that helps.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 13:41
Ok so it's been over a week and Zantac and motilium haven't worked at alll , really need help please tell me of something that really worked for your LOs silent reflux :( Enigma. I know the feeling. Not much you can do except wait it out. What really did help us quite briefly, in the early days, was the infant gaviscon. It seemed to soothe her and the crying and some of the squirming stopped, but not a lot of the other symptoms. If the medicines don't kick in in a couple of weeks, just go back to Dr Ahmed and ask him to change them. There are other medicines out there and he did say it was a little bit of trial and error on the exact combo and the dosage to make it work for each baby. They obviously err on the side of caution. He actually told us about the 2 week mark. For us it started to show some signs of working just after 2 weeks. I couldn't see it at first but he pointed out some improvements to me and that helped. Let me know if you want the gaviscon, the offer is still open.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 18:00
Took my bub to Piccolinos music class in the ranches at that age, music and a bit of massage. Put your email and will send you info. Thanks nutty! <em>edited by susandiaz on 31/03/2012</em>
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 17:59
Anyone seen them lately? The steel ones, the kinds you can make english muffins in. And what sort of price if anyone remembers...
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2012 - 15:34
Thanks all! Great ideas here. :)
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:46
Mine used the no ammonia range from L'oreal. Its called INOA. I go to Version Francaise in the Marina.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:34
I ordered my online at http://www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/ Nice range, very good service and 1 pound for international delivery! I got the Bravado ones which are sized a bit differently. Take a look online and you'll see. They were hugely comfortable! And they accommodate a size change well. I am fairly large to begin with and went up a band and cup size. I ordered at about 36 weeks. Got some Anita ones too because I like the support of underwire. They were great - very soft and comfortable wire. Still wear them post feeding! A friend also got measured by the lady at Blush and Bloom. She comes home and measures you up. They stock the Hotmilk range which is quite nice. I got one online but found it too lacy and fiddly. Comfortable though, I just didn't want lace.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:24
Not much to add to what kiwi said except to say that I do find the structure/number of pockets on the inside quite useful. Make sure the pockets are large enough to fit the kinds of things you want to put in there. I typically want it to hold a few spare bottles, formula cartons, chothes change, diapers and wipes as well as things for myself like wallet and keys. The bottle holders they give you tend to be useless. We just got another one from Avent which goes into the bag (and tomee tipee have them too). The brands I like are -Storksak (about 500-1000 depending on the style you choose) available at Blush and Bloom online. As well as Serena and Lily (which you'd have to order online). I liked Timi and Leslie which a friend bought for me online but I find that the finish is not as good as I'd hoped and one leak from the bottle has destroyed the bottle holder as well as a portion of the bag inside - so not great quality.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 15:20
Thanks plumie! Thats a cool place. Didn't know about it. I am near Safa Park so a bit out of the way for me, but might be worth exploring anyway.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 22:33
Most of them seem to be post 6 months. Anyone with younger babies goes to classes? Any positive stories and recommendations appreciated! :)
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 22:31
I think I have some somewhere. Will check for you. Can you email me on susanpriyadiaz at gmail dot com <em>edited by susandiaz on 15/01/2012</em>
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 22:29
Ooooo catheter definitely not standard unless you're having an epidural (either for a vaginal or C section birth). I ended up having an emergency C so had to have one. It is NOT comfortable, so would not recommend that anyone have it while laboring naturally. Enema - well I chose to have one because I was too hung up on pooing during labour so did it to put my mind at ease. Never had one before and its very weird! Not that uncomfortable having it administered (no more so than the millions of suppositories that I got after the surgery!). Pooed a lot immediately after. It was a bit pointless though since they give it to you as soon as you check in regardless of what stage of labour you're in :\: and give you food after and you can essentially eat through labour. So without going into the details, I'll just say the job was not done. So maybe consider not getting one.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 22:18
I got the C shaped one from destination maternity too (looks like a giant comma :D). I couldn't have managed without it (though there are loads of brands out there that do the same job)! Got it quite early - about 4 months because I have a bad back and giving my bump some support helped that. I had an emergency C as well and this was great support in the recovery period. And now I use it when I need to bottle feed my baby or help her sleep (used it for breastfeeding in the early months as well). Gosh I sound like I sell them!! But you see what I mean! ;) So definitely a multi purpose item that I highly recommend!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 22:05
Ashton and Parsons powder seems really hard to find! I found it online at Boots. Shop and Ship being the only option open. But a friend gave me another brand that I am trying now (seems to have the same claims). The teething necklace is great so far. Its available at babysouk.com (appears to be the cheapest here - AED 94).
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 18:24
ice cream. And that was fine as long as I was back home on holiday, but back here I don't know where best to go to get some. I don't trust any of the supermarkets to sell ice cream that has not been thawed at some point - when not pregnant I would just risk it, but now I don't dare. Similar goes for the shops and kiosks selling ice cream at the malls . Saw a roach in one of the display containers and never have bought any since. Do you ladies have a tried and trusted "dealer" for ice cream where my risk of getting food poisoning is minimal? I am desperate for some ice cream! I hadn't really thought of any of this! But in my last trimester I got a serious milkshake craving. So went to Baskin Robbins on Al Wasl road (safa centre where Park and Shop is) practically every alternate day for some ice cream shake and all was good. *knocks wood for when the urge strikes me again, preg or not ;)*
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 18:20
Were consulting doctor rais as well but he suggested novolac AR for us and along with that Zantac and motilium but since gaviscon is nott available in UAE therefore he hasn't given that to us . Yeah just give it a shot then. I really trust Dr. A. He's been great for my baby girl. So you're in good hands. If you do need Gaviscon though, I have some sachets from when we used it and don't need them anymore. Plus I ordered it online at Chemistsdirect who ship here. Got here in about 10 days with no issues. So that is an option.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 14:17
Thanx guys but another question is what milks were ur little ones on for the silent reflux We stayed on SMA first infant milk (which we got to after trying a few brands) because the Gaviscon did the job of thickening up the feeds to prevent regurgitation. Tried Aptamil AR once or twice but she didn't take to it well, so I stopped. Our paed Dr Syed Rais Ahmed said that in the absence of Gaviscon, the AR milk could do the job but seemed more inclined towards Gaviscon. We got that anyway so stuck with it.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 12:54
Saw it yesterday when it aired here. *sigh* so good! Its finally back.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 12:52
I heard the same from the company PRO. AXA has a reasonably priced local policy. KateK can I ask what the policy is and if you have any contact details? We've been trying to get a policy sorted for ours and its pretty expensive - 5K+ with AXA plus you don't get direct billing for the first 9 months :s Any info would be appreciated.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 05:48
I have some sachets left from when we used them for our little girl. It was the only thing that worked for her in the beginning until the rest kicked in so I feel your pain. Email me at susanpriyadiaz at g mail dot com Also, I had a similar no one to bring it out immediately situation so I ordered it at chemistsdirect. Took about 10 days to get here. Used their delivery rather than shop and ship to be careful because it's meds and I didn't want any delays or issues. All went smoothly.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 23:08
Hi enigma. Our little girl had reflux too. It was silent reflux. What our doctor said was that its infant reflux - quite common and generally goes away between 4 and 6 months. The medication is needed to make them more comfortable in this case rather than cure the condition. We used a combination of Zantac, Motillium and infant Gaviscon and it worked like magic for us. She was diagnosed at 4 and a half weeks or so and we started then. It took a while to kick in fully - nearly a month actually. But it did work. We started weaning her off it at 4 months and now she is completely off. What does happen now is a lot of throwing up, but messy as it is, I'll take that over the squirming, grunting and general misery of the first couple of months :( I guess given the right diagnosis and the right dose they do work great. So good luck!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 22:16
Dream girl at Satwa does it. I haven't done it personally but when I was there having some tops made up, I saw a lady having some done. May be worth checking.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 22:10
You have mail klijn. You can remove your address.
susandiaz
298
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 15:06
Thanks dramaqn... thats good to know!! SL will check the link.
susandiaz
298
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 01:03
Bumping up for those who may have been on holiday :).
susandiaz
298
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 23:23
Thanks SL. Tried googling Dubai Amber and found some real estate rubbish. Can I get any details you may have please? The necklace was a gift (from babysouq I think) so might be quicker if I can get those details.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 23:02
I usually put it around my lil girl's ankle at night and today it went into the wash with her night suit!!! Is it completely ruined do you think? Should I get another? (Just got this one too :() Obviously there's no info on what to do in this scenario from any of the official websites, coz, well, people are expected not to be idiots!!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 21:30
I think it only just aired in USA, I watched it online so don't panic :) *Phew*
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 21:15
When is it on? When is it on? When is it on? When is it on? Saw the promos but can't find it on anywhere :(. When did it start? Cant believe I missed it. Waaaaaaa
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 21:14
Answered on your other thread http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=169208
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 20:58
We didn't actually have classes but had a doula who covers all of the same material in private lessons. My feedback would be that in retrospect, I would have preferred to focus more on what happens after baby (most lessons cover about 35%+ after baby and 65% labour and birth etc from the plans I have seen at most of the private clinics.) They will send you what they cover if you ask. Maybe choose a class that spends more time on how to soothe a baby who's crying, how to swaddle, how to give meds (like the Vit D you need to give them which was a nightmare for me!) and lots more in that vein, rather than the how to diaper and bathe etc which is pretty basic. As first time parents those are the things we struggled with and would have appreciated more help on.
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 20:47
I saw them yesterday in Kinokuniya (Book World @ the Dubai Mall). In the Family and Health section - parenting aisles.
susandiaz
298
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Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 13:24
A friend of mine has an angelcare one (sensor and sound no video). Its brand new she said because she got 2. the original price is 550 i think. Let me know if you're interested and i'll find out how much she'll sell for. I have the angelcare with video. Its very nice except in our old villa with thick walls it doesn't necessarily have the range i'd like. Thought of changing it but didn't in the end on the advice of the ladies on here. So i now leave it in the passageway because it won't come all the way to the living room from her room upstairs on the other side. A lot of other good reviews on here though. And the sensor does offer peace of mind!
susandiaz
298
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 12:57
I get a lot of my stuff from GAP, Old Navy, Osh Kosh and Carters online and have them shop and shipped here. Since baby clothes are quite light and SnS charges by the pound it is actually cheaper than having them ship it out. And way cheaper with much better collections than what you find here. Also H&M here has nice stuff sometimes a bit hit and miss though. For the more everyday stuff, my friends daughter seems to wear a lot of nice dresses that she gets from Max. Quite nice fabric for the price. I haven't tried yet. Other places I've got some nice (not pink :)) gifts from are Benetton, Osh kosh, a store called Lilliput (its in Oasis i think).
 
 
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