TanyaR

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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 16:07

Thanks ladies - I was wondering about skiing, I would like him to learn, so that perhaps next year he can do an overseas camp skiing or something... so will definitely look into that. Will teenage boys be open to set up 'playdates' hehehe?? We are in Knowledge Village and he will be going to Jumeriah College.. He is arriving in the next week, so I am hopeful he will make some friends over this last term and that not everyone will be away for summer so he does have some friends to hang out with!

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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 15:58

Fairy used to produce an anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid, but I haven't been able to find it for 2 months now... I now just use fairy dishwashing liquid (which has a baby on the label - doesn't specifically say it is for babies though) it is probably no different to any other brands! Pardon my ignorance - what is different about fairy and the other dishwashing liquids out there? Also in Babyshop I have seen Pigeon Bottle Nipple and Vegetable Cleaning liquid - it says on the label that it is a natural bio degradable cleanser - is this any good? Yes, good for the shop. They make lots of money by scaring you. Like Hello.Kitty said before, getting LO used to the real world with normal germs and dishwasher detergent is all part of the process. If LO is old enough to eat with fork and spoon he's old enough for normal detergent. *snort* couldn't agree more! I just went with the Fairy range because I saw it, and they do the non-bio washing tablets for clothes that are 'supposed' to be better for babies .. but seriously, as I said originally, I don't there probably is any difference to any other dishwashing brands. Plus as mentioned by HAK if you have a dishwasher, that is great for pots, plates, spoons etc..

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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 12:34

Do you have any idea what he is interested in? Sorry, very good point. Where he currently lives he hasn't really been exposed to any opportunities or hobbies at all (well, anything that would require lessons or buying equipment to facilitate). He does like sports, Rugby, swimming (he is a VERY big kid - already 6foot tall at least and broad - typical kiwi boy!) My DH is into triathlon, so we are going to try and encourage those activities, get him a bike etc. He likes doing things with his hands, cooking and making things (woodwork etc) and he really likes technology - computers etc... I am pretty sure he is going to have to do some extra study during his summer break, to catch up with his year at school (there are a few things not taught in our curriculum at home, that are taught here).. but I really want him to do something 'fun' and that helps him make friends and keeps him out of trouble!

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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 12:14

Hi Ladies We are about to become guardians for a 14year old who will be moving here in the next week or so, and completing the last term of this year to settle in before the new year begins and serious study. I am just wondering if there are local summer camps or activities that he can do locally? I don't want to send him abroad this year (for a few reasons). Does anyone know what is available, or can steer me in the right direction. I am completely new to raising a teenager here (or anywhere LOL) - our DS is 14months old, so I thought a few a more years to get myself up to speed yet!!! TIA

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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 21:51

Yes, you can (if you are comfortable doing it in your seat). I exclusively expressed, and travelled a few long haul flights, so just pumped in my seat (there is no-where on board you can do it - except the toilets, which I can hardly bring myself to use as a toilet, let alone pump DS's food! lol). I was using an avent electric pump, I just used a battery pack (and took extra batteries, it chews through them quickly). I just tucked the pump under a blanket, and with the noise of the plane, you couldn't even hear it. I took icepacks with me in the mini ice box to keep his all of his milk cold (particularly remembering the time travelling to and from airports, lounges etc). You can of course ask the crew to put it in the fridge, but my breastmilk was liquid gold (not a great supply) so was never letting it out of my sight! Just a hint if you do use an icebox, Dubai security are fine with you taking the icepacks out - but other countries may not (I had a set confiscated at Heathrow) so be prepared with a few sealable plastic bags and go to a bar in the airport and ask for some ice. HTH

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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 21:41

Fairy used to produce an anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid, but I haven't been able to find it for 2 months now... I now just use fairy dishwashing liquid (which has a baby on the label - doesn't specifically say it is for babies though) it is probably no different to any other brands!

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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 16:51

You just need to make sure you have it done before they leave on holiday. I am not sure if there is a restriction on how far in advance you can do it (i.e. if you do it 3 months in advance, will they still let you use that one). It is processed while you are there - we had a complication with our one (long story), and it took DH and our Nanny about 3 hours to get processed (as the issue got escalated) but normally it would just depend on how busy they are. Remember to take all of the paperwork, ticket confirmations, all relevant passports, contracts that show earnings etc.. HTH

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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 22:52

Please don't feel bad nix.dubai - it certainly doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. It is quite common for babies from 6 months onwards to have a slightly lower iron levels, and there are a number of reasons why this happens. Clearly your DS is getting drops to deal with this, but once he is finished these, you could just try increasing iron rich foods in both his and your diet. Re: weight gain. It does taper off once they are getting closer to a year old - I can't remember exactly when this happened with my DS - but I don't feel like he has put on 'much' weight at all for about 4 months now (he is 15months old). Has your Doctor advised he is seriously underweight? Is your DS otherwise a happy/content child? To be honest Doctors here seem quite obsessed with weight, and which percentile our LO's sit in, which annoys me sometimes. I 'suspect' that it is because he/she is unfamiliar with BLW that he is pressing the puree being reintroduced - my Dr didn't want me doing BLW, so I just told him I was giving DS puree's when not one has ever passed his lips - hehehe At the end of the day, you need to do what is best for you, and what you are most comfortable with, and how your DS is most comfortable eating. My DS is very independant and LOVES his mealtime, BLW works for some babies and not for others - the same with purees. If you think it was working better (he was enjoying, experiencing more) I would probably stick with BLW. Nutritionally up until they are about 1 year of age, they get all the nutrients they require from breastmilk or formula (besides Vitamin C and iron 'I think' someone may tell us this is wrong). So as long as your supply doesn't seem to be an issue, or DS is happy and not hungry, I really don't think (from what you have said) that you have an issue. When BLWing they don't absorb a lot of food for first few months, they really just play and experience, suck, mush and throw! I really didn't feel like DS was taking much onboard at mealtime until he was about 10-11 months old - when he definitely started eating more, and now he is definitely hoovering more down! He also feeds himself his breaky with a spoon - very messy.. but he loves it. There is a facebook group (very, very small one) which I set up for anyone who wants to discuss BLW, share recipes, ask questions etc here in Dubai ... you just need to look for the group Baby-Led Weaning - Dubai. I think we all dish out meals that we expect our LO's to clean the plate up with, and then worry when they don't eat it all. Obviously, appetites vary from child to child, but try not to worry about it. If you are finding purees are working, then great, stick with it, but you know what is best for you and your DS. I don't if you do this, but I also make sure there are snacks around for him all the day - so he gets 5 'meals' and then we have bags of organic crisps, biscuits, fruit on offer all the time - he seems to be a bit of a grazer. But, if your DS is happy in himself and has the energy to get around, I am sure you just have a 'slight' built child. I am not sure if this helps, but fingers crossed it might make you feel a little bit better!

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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 22:15

I hope you are just redecorating and not leaving us Missy!!!!

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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 15:56

Wow! Thanks for everyones suggestions... I am noooooow thinking - perhaps the bread and butter pudding idea, I usually make it with chocolate croissants instead of bread (evil I know!) and then a vanilla creme, but I could add melt some chocolate and fold that through the creme, and add chunks of chocolate too ... like the idea of something sweet cooking in the oven while we eat our main as well.... Love the ice cream cake idea, but my freezer is too full for that one, and I made mini tarts last weekend or a dinner a few of the attendees were at... Still not 100% though! Think I have made this harder for myself! Thanks again!

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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 12:54

oooh good ideas .. I loooovvveee creme brulee too! I am thinking maybe either the chocolate mousse cups though, or warmed chocolate brownies - I can make a raspberry coulis and use for both .. and maybe a little selection of fruit to freshen it all up a bit! Thanks ladies! Very helpful .. now I am hungry and wish it were tomorrow!

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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 12:47

Yes, I do this all the time! But I convert to NZD, and then I spent the year prior to moving here in London, so I also convert to GBP. No idea why! A friend came to stay recently, and she had a massive shopping splurge, and left the converting up to me .... needless to say having not kept up to date with recent rate change moments back home, she spent far more than I advised .. whoops ... fortunately she is still speaking with me!

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Latest post on 22 April 2011 - 12:38

Sorry, this isn't very helpful for treatment, but yes, I have got them. But, I am not having them treated until I have finished having babies, as I have been advised it is not worth doing until then - unless they become really painful. I have had a cursory look, and seen there are lots of treatments available here, hopefully someone can point you in the right direction of a good specialist...

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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 16:18

Thanks TanyaR and Alimart - DH and PRO already went to immigration and got the cancellation papers. I was told that we had to have our cancellation paper stamped at the airport because that lets us claim our visa deposit (I think that's about 2,000 dhms back). Any idea where is this stamp given? Yes, instructions are below, after the point you have already completed... once you have her ticket from the checkin counter they will be able to point you to exactly where the immigration desk is I am sure...

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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 15:46

I posted this in another thread yesterday - you have done the first step, so you just need to follow the rest.. - Go to DNRD / immigration department typist and ask for visa cancellation form to be filled out. You will need a copy of maid's passport (or original), and a one way ticket for the maid back to her home country. Bring your own passport and copy, and maid's labour card also. - Take maid, her passport and labour card, your passport, and visa cancellation form to airport on departure day (arrive at least 3 hours before departure time, or more if check in counter opens more than 3 hours before departure - for Emirates flights you can check in 8 hours before flight departure) - Check in maid and obtain boarding pass. - Go to the airport immigration counter with maid, boarding pass, labour card, and passport to cancel visa. They will keep labour card and may want to see your passport.

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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 13:24

Moonbean Just so you know, I gave birth at Medcare as well, and managed to get what I wanted without a fuss. They definitely have standard practises that are pretty dated, and not common procedure (anymore) in other countries (shaving and an enema - along with the episiotomy already discussed). But as you say, as long as you are prepared, know what you want and don't want - they definitely follow your instructions, well, that was my experience anyway. Good luck! I am sure it will all go well.

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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 22:22

I gave birth here, and had a birthing plan that the hospital were pretty good about supporting. We showed our Dr in one of our consultations, and she wasn't really interested at that stage to be honest. When we arrived at the hospital when I went into labour, DH had 4 copies, one for him, one for the nurses, and one for the specialist, so they were all aware of what we wanted. To be honest, every hospital and Dr will be different, so the most important thing for you, is to make sure your husband is aware of exactly what you want, and make sure he knows it is HIS responsibility to ensure the plan is stuck to. Like Joannas the Dr pulled out a scapel to perform an episiotomy on me, and I flatly refused (DH reinforced this as well) - they cannot do anything to you, that you don't want. I had done the research before - episiotomy is a completely unnecessary procedure most of the time, and it is far better to tear naturally (along the grain of your skin). My baby was perfectly positioned, my labour was very, very short, and I was completely calm and relaxed (as can be) so there was no reason for any intervention. I ended up with only two small stitches - they were shocked at how little the tear was (clearly because they usually cut). If you are really concerned (and something I wish I had done) is having a doula present with you during your birth. They can help keeping you focused, make sure your birth is as close to your plan as possible, plus they will be experienced in the hospital, will probably know staff and know what is, and isn't necessary. Whereas, for you and your DH, you second guess yourselves into following the advice of medical professionals who can be quite set in their ways here (and not necessarily for the better). Not that I had any issues this time, but I will definitely be having a doula at my next birth to make sure if there are any complications, I know that I am making an informed decision, and not just following the instructions of the Dr on hand. HTH <em>edited by TanyaR on 20/04/2011</em>

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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:41

I havent actually got my visa yet, I went for my medical on monday. Do you know where I would stand on this? Would it be better to just wait til Ive got my visa do you think? Not scaring me, this is exactly why Ive asked just incase!! So thanks :o) Actually, it is the opposite to what you think... you are currently okay to drive on your UK license (providing your visa hasn't been completed here)but once you get your residency here is finalised, you will need to get your drivers license here to be covered. HTH

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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 17:19

I use imigrane as well - just remember only 1 tablet per migraine episode. People can find them very strong, so voltaren tablets can work for some people as well. If he isn't a regular migraine sufferer, I would start with something less agressive (such as voltaren) and work up to imigrane if needed - Just my opinion. Hope he is feeling better soon.

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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 14:07

Legally, yes you can hire a pregnant maid (obviously providing she is married). It is your decision when you receive the results of the medical as to whether you continue your sponsorship in this event. Whereas, if she tested positive for TB, leprosy, HIV etc, you would have no choice, she would be deported. Just also a note, she will not be able to undertake the test for TB because it is an x-ray, so knowing she is pregnant prior, you 'might' be faced with some objection - but it will depend on who you get on the day. I was pregnant when mine was processed, and had to return 3 months after giving birth for the x-ray - however, I am not classed as a domestic (depending on who you talk to - hehehe) So, if you do this, it is an extremely unusual situation, and I suspect there will be a few hiccups with the medical team not knowing how to deal with it, and knowing the way things work here sometimes, they 'could' just say no. The thing I would be checking from your perspective (risk wise - financially) is that the medical insurance policy covers her for pregnancy - particularly for any costs in relation to complications arising from an early birth should that happen (daily neo-natal costs are extremely expensive) - Just remembering a number of insurance providers here don't cover these costs, and these would be your liability being her sponsor if anything did go wrong and she wasn't covered. I would be very surprised if the health insurance companies used for domestic staff will actually cover this over here, but you will only know this by calling the different providers and checking this. Someone may know on here, but again, I would be surprised if anyone has experience with this, so it is best to check before starting the process as getting the medical insurance is one of the final steps completed. Also, I am sure you have actually cited the marriage certificate, but just make sure if you take this with you as proof also. Good luck.

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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 13:46

Just found this .. informational, with a bit of humour thrown in at the end... HTH - Go to DNRD / immigration department typist and ask for visa cancellation form to be filled out. You will need a copy of maid's passport (or original), and a one way ticket for the maid back to her home country. Bring your own passport and copy, and maid's labour card also. - Take maid, her passport and labour card, your passport, and visa cancellation form to airport on departure day (arrive at least 3 hours before departure time, or more if check in counter opens more than 3 hours before departure - for Emirates flights you can check in 8 hours before flight departure) - Check in maid and obtain boarding pass. - Go to the airport immigration counter with maid, boarding pass, labour card, and passport to cancel visa. They will keep labour card and may want to see your passport. - Say goodbye to maid, then go home and wash your own dishes until you find a new housemaid.

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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 11:44

Our situation is slightly different, in that our Nanny's husband does not earn enough to sponsor her, so her relationship with us is a standard sponsorship agreement as with any other domestic worker. If you have sighted her residency visa to show she is sponsored by her husband (I would definitely check this if you haven't), then she should just require a standard letter from her husband advising he gives her permission to work for yourselves, and you shouldn't need to formally sponsor her. Your husband (assuming he is the one that main sponsorship holder) will just then need to go to immigration with her, and get a work permit for her to work for you - essentially a labour card. There is a new age limitation of 30 (apparently) - particularly for maids coming through agencies. However, as she is already here, and with a residency visa, this 'should not' be an issue. Our Nanny is under 30, and we had no issue or questions raised over this, but she had worked for 4 years prior to coming under our sponsorship. BTW - the maximum age is 60 :) Just a little disclaimer, this 'should' be how it works, but as we know, sometimes there are no hard and fast rules, and it can just depend on who you get on the day as to how easy it can be. If you have a good company PRO, that will make things a lot easier! I hope that helps. Good luck!

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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 11:14

I have heard of this happening here (only in govt hospitals though). Having said that, there are many countries that do this to stop people selectively aborting because of the *** of the child, even areas in London do this. If she wants to find out the ***, I would just have a private scan completed somewhere else (I assume you can do this), and ensure prior that they will tell her the *** when it is done.

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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 16:35

Personally, to avoid them taking up part-time employment (outside of your house), I would pay them a full time salary (otherwise there is no incentive for them to take a part time role as they can't get additional income elsewhere legally). You may want them to work part-time which is fine, but I would have them on full time contracted hours, and release them early or get them to come in later at short notice. You may want them to come in at different hours, or get them to babysit - so give yourself the flexibility to move their hours a little bit, provide less opportunity for them to seek illegal work. I did a little research on the 'live-out' option before we took on our Nanny, and it was around 1000aed mark per month for their accommodation/food/travel allowances. HTH

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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 10:45

If it isn't an emergency, ring the insurance company and get his medical number (or even a confirmation of his policy emailed to you) and check what they need for him to make a claim back. Insurance companies 'usually' have free phone international numbers that are always 24 hours. Unless it is an insurer like Bupa who cover here, my guess is that most companies will make him pay upfront and claim back anyway (given you have to do this with a number of local insurers). But you Dad is right, check exactly what he needs to do for the requirements of his insurer, otherwise the company 'could' find an reason to deny his claim, which is fine if it is a little consultation, but if he needs a hospital stay and care, it will be very expensive. It is seriously worth the quick phone call to them to get the details. Hope he is okay.

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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 21:27

That's great! I think we might end up doing that. So, she comes in every morning and then leaves again to go home at the end of the day? Brilliant. Means you get a clean house and still all the privacy you need. Just a couple of questions, how do you know she won't be working for others too? And what about the other benefits that comes with the job; do you provide a ticket home? Does she need it? Or does she just get paid holidays? What about medical insurance, are you responsible? TIA To be fair, ours is a employed purely to look after DS now I am about to return to work (I have spent the last two months or so training her specifically around this). We still have a cleaner that does the housework, as do I. I tell you that because it means she also does a little babysitting for us at night if we are going out, and this is one of the ways I can be 'sure' she isn't working for someone else - apart from the fact I trust her (otherwise I wouldn't entrust her with my son), and it is written into her contract that it is forbidden, we pay her well so there is no reason for her to look for alternative work, and we often discuss the stories that come up in the 7days. Basically, if I need her to babysit a night, I tell her at the last minute - likewise if I need her on a Friday, to make sure she is always available and doesn't have other outside committments. So, yes, she has regular working hours during the day. If she babysits, we pay her extra, and either give her a ride home or give her taxi money - For her safety, I always take the number down of the taxi she is riding in, and she texts or calls to say she has arrived safely home. She gets all the same benefits as a regular 'live in' - air ticket home, holidays, sick leave, medical insurance (you have to prove they have this for their visa processing anyway). We pay an additional lumpsum to cover the cost of her accommodation and travel per month. I did a little research prior to hiring, and the general consensus seemed to be an additional 1000aed on top of the basic salary was about the right amount to cover those two areas. HTH

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Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 16:16

We pay cash monthly, and give documented receipts (we hold one in our ringbinder with all of her employment details in the safe) and she takes one home - she signs both copies in recognition of payment. On the receipt, I note the pay period, any annual leave or sick days she has taken during that time. On the back of the reciept I note anything we have had to discuss around her performance. This means she can never say she hasn't been paid, or missed out on leave (not that I have any concerns with her around this happening with her) but I would rather eliminate the risk before it happens.

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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 14:51

Yes, Philipines Government has made significant changes to their protocol on management of domestic staff working in Dubai, due to a 'bail out' they had to facilitate late last year. Providing your maid has already been working as a Nanny/Maid here, she should not be required to complete this training before returning to Dubai. The training has been put in place for those who are just starting out working in Dubai as domestic workers. Just a reminder (I am sure you know already, but just in case) she DOES need to have a returning certificate provided by the POLO office here before she leaves to go on holiday, so she can re-enter Dubai. HTH

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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 14:27

I am finding this thread really interesting. We are about to take over guardianship of a 15 year old, so this is all completely new to me. I worked from the age of 13, so paid for everything myself from that point, whereas formal working isn't possible here for them - so I was wondering how this was going to work. Clearly everyone has different ideas on what is appropriate and right for your family, but it is really good to get some different perspectives. edited by TanyaR on 09/04/2011 Yes it is very subjective to ones own values/beliefs/morals/perspective. Taking on a 15 year old is going to be tough, PM will be the least of your issues and until really settled restrict money in the hand. Good luck. Thanks SW. Yes, we have an tough time ahead of us, I am putting in place as many strategies as I can to integrate him into his new life as smoothly as possible, and feel I have the 'larger' issues under control (famous last words). At the moment, I am tackling the smaller day-to-day runnings, like pocket money, curfews, chores, that I am wanting to get more of a 'relativity' perspective on. I know teenagers struggle with the move as it is coming with their parents, let alone leaving everything (family/friends/country) to come here, so I have been covering a lot of ground in a short space of time to get up to speed. To be honest, he has some behavioural issues, that we will be working on as a family, and with the assistance of an external counsellor, and his teachers, so he won't be getting any pocket money to start with anyway. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in his life, he has instigated and is committed to making change, and he is family, so we will do everything in our power to support that. Hopefully, with everything I have put in place, we won't need luck, but, I will take all I can get at the moment!!!

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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 12:26

Hi everyone, I just wanted to tell you all that I went into early labour on Thursday night (at 33 weeks) and my beautiful little baby is in the NICU right now. She weighed 3lbs 12 ounces at birth, but the doctors said she'll most likely be fine because she's gaining weight very quickly for a preemie. Please pray that we can bring her home soon! Wow, congratulations! All my thoughts and wishes to you, your husband, and your new beautiful DD. *Hugs*

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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 11:09

I am finding this thread really interesting. We are about to take over guardianship of a 15 year old, so this is all completely new to me. I worked from the age of 13, so paid for everything myself from that point, whereas formal working isn't possible here for them - so I was wondering how this was going to work. Clearly everyone has different ideas on what is appropriate and right for your family, but it is really good to get some different perspectives. <em>edited by TanyaR on 09/04/2011</em>

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Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 22:22

OMG!!! That is awesome! I checked out the website two days ago to see if they had any planned trips and was so disappointed (clearly for DS not myself...) Guess he will get to see them afterall! Yay!

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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 20:51

Everyone has completely different experiences during childbirth. I have only given birth once (short - 5 hour labour but very intense), and I have watched my sister give birth (14 hour labour) - we both used hypnobirthing techniques - she swears she feels no pain - just discomfort, I am not quite in that camp!!! Some people have bad experiences (our bodies are all different) - so there are no guarantees. My biggest peices of advice is expect the unexpected (try not to be thrown if your birth plan goes out the window) and then, relax as much as you possibly can (during the contraction phase). If you panic an tense up, it does make it harder on you and your body. As an example to illustrate this (non-birth related) if you think of people who are drunk that have accidents that don't have bad injuries because they have not tensed up to prepare for the impact. The same can be said for labour if you don't tense up, it means your muscles aren't fighting against each other as much and it reduces impact on you. That is just my thoughts, and as I said everyone is different, so try not take on board the horror stories, it seems to be a bit of a competition sometimes of 'I went through more pain than you...' which is a bit silly. It is difficult because it is so unknown until you do it, and even then, each birth is different, so how it went last time, doesn't mean you will have the same or better next... I suspect given the stories you have heard, you are prepared for the worst, and will have a much better experience than you expect. Good luck!! <em>edited by TanyaR on 07/04/2011</em>

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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 20:24

Hmmm I was hoping to come back to a flood of people saying "oooh yeah happens all the time". I'm terrible at going to the docs, feel like a hypocondric so I only go if I'm dying...I may bring it up if I have any near death experiences in the near future ;) *snort* me too.. haven't been seen by anyone since I was in the labour room for DS... hence why I keen for you to do the visiting... might do a little research and see what I come up with. Will let you know!

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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 18:26

Hmmm okay, so DS is 14months and I get this a bit too - not frequently, but enough to have noticed, and it didn't actually start for quite a few months after I gave birth. Mine aren't massive 'kicks' though, more like bubbles, and not in the right places to be wind related... I haven't been overtly worried about it, just thought it was odd. Weird ... YorkshirePud, you can go the doctor and let me know the outcome .. hehehehe (kidding of course)

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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 18:12

I make sure nearly all my meal preparation for night only takes 30 mins. I do this by making big portions of meals when I cook, and then freeze leftovers, then they can do more than one meal and I don't have to start from scratch. I also freeze cheese sauces, gravies, stocks etc to 'jazz' up veges and meat dishes. Actually, I wrote a thread in the foodie section about a year ago that has quite a few suggestions if you want me to bump it up... Anyway aside from the below, we do soups, quiches, risotto's, stuffed baked potatoes, beef stroganoff, meatballs, sausages, frittata's, curries, stew, stuffed pasta parcels. I freeze all of these, and just defrost a portion, steam some veges, add a sauce or gravy, and dinner is ready in 15 mins most of the time - 30 if I do a mini roast in foil, with roast root vege. And no dessert for DS yet, so I don't have to worry about that - he is only 14months so doesn't know what he is missing ... hehehe HTH Hey tanya would it be possible if you posted the link to that thread here for me too please. TIA Here we go... I had hoped people would add to it, but didn't quite take off!! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=114948

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 18:04

I make sure nearly all my meal preparation for night only takes 30 mins. I do this by making big portions of meals when I cook, and then freeze leftovers, then they can do more than one meal and I don't have to start from scratch. I also freeze cheese sauces, gravies, stocks etc to 'jazz' up veges and meat dishes. Actually, I wrote a thread in the foodie section about a year ago that has quite a few suggestions if you want me to bump it up... Anyway aside from the below, we do soups, quiches, risotto's, stuffed baked potatoes, beef stroganoff, meatballs, sausages, frittata's, curries, stew, stuffed pasta parcels. I freeze all of these, and just defrost a portion, steam some veges, add a sauce or gravy, and dinner is ready in 15 mins most of the time - 30 if I do a mini roast in foil, with roast root vege. And no dessert for DS yet, so I don't have to worry about that - he is only 14months so doesn't know what he is missing ... hehehe HTH

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 20:25

We used the angelcare ones with the sensor pad. Absolutely brilliant I cant recommend these enough! We have used this one as well (still are 14months on - although not the sensor now), and I also love it. I do have friends that have hated it (because of the sensor going off if you forget to turn it off before removing the baby) - but personally, I think that is a small price to pay for the reassurance you get from them.. plus you soon get into a routine of shutting it off.

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 20:21

We started DS swimming at 3 months. I had attended professional baby swim training in the London with my neice who was born there, and this was they date 'they' advised was safe, due to vaccinations etc, and we started dunking them straight away during classes. DS (now 14 months) LOVES the water and loves being dunked still - we just make sure we use the same cue every time, and he shuts his eyes on the '3' of 1,2,3 knowing he is going under. I would also say, our pool is very well maintained however, so I would be less keen on dunking if it wasn't as well tended, and he got ear infections. I was keen to start dunking quite early as it gets them used to it, and gives them confidence in the water.

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 15:42

oooooh I was just about to ask this exact question. Does it change with age?? Mine will be 15...

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 15:02

Never off .. can't risk spoiling my wine stash... hehehe

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 19:37

Here is one of the threads about it... HTH http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=137018

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 17:18

I actually just advertised in the classifeds on here, gave the area we live in, and that it was a live out position only with no facilities to 'live in' in our villa. I had about 30 calls, I created a spreadsheet of the callers to track, got them to send CV's, had a short phone interview during which time I gave them the basic details (including making sure each of them knew that it was definitely live out (yes some still called wanting to live in). If they were good on the phone and on paper, I asked them to come for an interview, and went from there. Once we had selected, we organised her visa. We have also visited her home (where she lives with her husband his mother and few cousins), we have given her fire extinguishers, smoke alarms etc so we know she is 'safe'. I know a few others who have the same arrangement, although our's is the only one living with her husband that I know of. It works really well for what we need, and what she wants as well. HTH

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 19:16

Sorry, have just seen this, haven't been on the forum much recently, as we have been away, and then got a gastro bug. Have popped them through. HTH

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 19:08

Yes! We do it. HTH

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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 22:15

I was just bridesmaid for a friend in NZ. She gave us the fabric, cotton and a zip, and a few photo's of dresses that she liked, and let us chose what we wanted stylewise (although she did specify that she wanted short - i.e. to the knee, dresses, and strappy silver sandals). We all live in different countries, so if she had chosen the same style, the dressmakers would have interpreted them differently and they could have been a bit odd 'trying' to be the same. So, we all knew what she liked from the photos, and they all ended up different, but similar in some ways, and it looked great. HTH

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:09

Yes, the poor wee man - and our poor bed and couch! Both were victims of his illness last night... fotunately I have been more prepared today, so no other casualities .. not that we have anymore furniture to destroy.... hehe I am sure he will be fighting fit next week :)

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 20:58

Mwah! Mwah! I miss you too!!! Sorry have been in NZ for over a month, and just flew back in on Sunday morning... and I am now up to my eyeballs in vomit! Poor Baby H has picked up a gastro bug in the last 24hours - yuck! Here I was so proud he had no jetlag (even though DH and I do..) and he gets sick... again... How are you and your beautiful girl??? I need to hear what she is up to, so I can brace myself for DS's next phase... hehehe

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Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 12:23

Thanks Cornish Pixie, will call them now! Thanks gleeky, he hasn't thrown up in 3 hours, so that is a good start, the meds must be working. Thanks again ladies.

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 13:11

ooooh, I went to Iceland with a few friends, and have to say, it is one of the most incredible trips I have done! I wouldn't recommend where we stayed, but I would definitely stay somewhere centrally in Reykjavik particularly if you don't hire a car. If you aren't particularly good at reading maps, I would definitely recommend doing a tour - we hired a 4wd for us, but if I had been on my own or just with one other I would have done a tour. The glaciers are really far apart and quite a drive on desolate land (so make sure you take snacks and drinks with you). You definitely need to make sure you go in the right season, and stay for a few nights, so you can catch the northern lights at night (be warned, even in the right months you might miss them if there is cloud or just not the right timing). The other thing I would recommend is definitely visiting the blue lagoon hot pool resort/spa - it is lovely, if you a massage make sure you book in advance. If you want to treat yourself to an amazing dinner, we had the tasting menu at The Fish Market, I am a huge foodie, and can quite honestly say it is one of the best meals I have ever had. They are the major standouts I can think of for the moment! Enjoy!

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