xmasbaby | ExpatWoman.com
 

xmasbaby

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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2018 - 10:46
Not sure where you're from or what type of school you'll be teaching at but if its an "international school" or "British curriculum" school, they are typically very diverse and for example the school my children attend has 40 nationalities although 40 percent are from the UK.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2017 - 10:31
I would be interested for an upcoming hen next month but to be held at our house rather than a studio? can you email me
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2016 - 14:48
Personally I would terminate her. My maid (of 3 years) started stealing little things (my body wash, shampoos, etc). I really liked her and she was amazing with the kids so I let them go. Now 3 years later, we had to terminate her for something else. When cleaning out her room, to help her pack - found my diamond pendant, rings, pearl necklace, designer sunglasses, designer clutch -- all items that were safely put up, stored away that I had no idea were missing as I didn't use them often. I felt especially silly as we sent her home 2x a year to see her child and she only just returned a month ago so these are probably items that she's just started collecting for her next visit. I was shocked, and wished I had followed my gut when I knew she was stealing the first time. In terms of the camera - you are allowed to have cameras in your home for the reasons stated above. We have now installed cameras inside and out having had our trust shattered.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 13:18
Thank you! That's very helpful!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 14:41
I read yesterday that Rashid hospital was looking for volunteers. It was in the elevator at the DIFC so I'm afraid I didn't actually see any more information. I tried UAE volunteer and have never ever been contacted.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2015 - 11:40
Think its great! Their week is so full on. My kids have already decided, they're using the extra time to get their homework out of the way so that they can enjoy the entire weekend! Friends were telling me JPS has always finished early on Thursdays at 1:30 and it doesn't seem to have affected its reputation. I just love how people (a specific few on this board) who've made the choice to leave Repton feel that they need to comment on every post negatively. It just reeks of insecurity.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 09:12
I totally agree. Where I'm from, if you didn't get out of the way, you would get a fine. That aside, its the right thing to do, someone's life is potentially at jeopardy. It really irks me when I see this....
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 12:57
Should be fine. Know of single female professional while living here, adopting a baby from another country and having no issues whatsoever. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 March 2015 - 10:59
Ones I'm considering: AG care and Keeping of You, Usborne What's Happening to Me, there's Something New About You We bought the AG set, including the journal so she could write things down. Its very informative and by age, so she had the first book which if I recall correctly was for ages 7-9 and now the one for 9-12. The 9-12 is probably more geared to 10-12 but we discuss and talk about the topics openly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 March 2015 - 10:47
do you know why? I would have thought that it would be to compare your child's results and see how they do now having been back at school for several months.. sort of to gage the teachers' teaching methods and how much the children have learned. Just a thought, I mean, what would be the benefit of having them resit the exact paper...and they shared this with the class and parents in advance...I probably wouldn't speculate but rather ask the administration... <em>edited by xmasbaby on 02/03/2015</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2015 - 12:29
Thanks Hot Chocolate. This is where I'm confused. My child is also year 4 in the British curriculum and they said that was the equivalent of grade 3 in the US curriculum. This didn't make sense to me b/c I too was under the impression that the UK curriculum introduced concepts earlier as well. I'm happy to hear that you are happy. I guess it follows that her grades in math have improved? That's awesome about the EW discount!! Even better lol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 12:24
Please help I'm stuck in a route with sandwiches and pasta sallads. Piece of fruit, babybell, Actimelle, carrot sticks, houmous ( never gets eaten). Kids like it, but I want them to eat a variety of food. I hear about savoury muffins. Anyone has easy recipes? edited by Silvstet on 24/02/2015 I swear this is exactly what I give my kids...instead of hummus, we alternative with glazed balsamic and add cucumbers to mix. Keen for some ideas as well.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 13:17
I personally haven't declined but I know some mums who have and no one batted an eye. This year we gave 300 AED for one of my children's classes (19 children and every parent contributed) and 350 AED in my other child's class (20 children and again everyone but 1 contributed). The money will be used for teachers and assistants gifts at the end of term and end of school year, along with flowers & cards.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 14:11
I genuinely think its cultural. I had a lady push infront of me the other day and I said rather assertively but politely "excuse me (really loud) we were waiting!" and she turned to me and said "I just wanted to ask a question! You don't have to be so rude!!" I responded, saying "actually you cutting infront of me was rude and had you explained before doing so that you simply wanted to ask a question, I wouldn't have had an issue!" Needless to say I started laughing at the irony. She must have thought I was mad! But I did move infront of her and let her work it out with the person behind me.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 09:38
Our maid is from Kenya. She is extremely well spoken, clean, and kind. She is pleasant and so far has proven herself trustworthy. We do pay her above the 2000/mth mark, so not less then what we would pay a philipina but she is worth it. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 27/08/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 13:00
I'm celiac diagnosed in Canada. My daughter has been exhibiting symptoms so they recently ran a few tests. She's 8. The results are in but the doctor admitted he's not sure how to interpret them and suggested we see a doctor who specialises or has knowledge of Celiac. Basically, she tested negative for the Anti-trannsglutaminase IgG, IgA, and Anti-DGP IgG but Positive for Anti-DCP IgA Does anyone know what this could potentially mean, and be able to recommend a doctor here in Dubai who could assist us in interpreting these results. Thanks, this is the doctor you need ot try and get in to see, http://www.ihcdubai.com/doctors/michael-loubser/ Thanks we've tried but he's not taking on any new patients, unless its allergy related and they said to call back in August. I've sent him an email hoping that even if he can't do it, maybe recommend another.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 12:45
can you not send the results to your Dr in Canada? edited by IzzyOnTheSeat on 28/05/2014 No they won't interpret results without seeing you in person and because its public health care and we are no longer residents in Canada, we are not entitled to care.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 12:33
I'm celiac diagnosed in Canada. My daughter has been exhibiting symptoms so they recently ran a few tests. She's 8. The results are in but the doctor admitted he's not sure how to interpret them and suggested we see a doctor who specialises or has knowledge of Celiac. Basically, she tested negative for the Anti-trannsglutaminase IgG, IgA, and Anti-DGP IgG but Positive for Anti-DCP IgA Does anyone know what this could potentially mean, and be able to recommend a doctor here in Dubai who could assist us in interpreting these results. TIA <em>edited by xmasbaby on 28/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 10:07
I agree that 8 weeks is a ridiculously long wait for a new passport when you are in a foreign country. If it is not back in time for summer travel, is it possible to request an emergency travel document from the British consulate? yes thats what they told me last week, that if Liverpool couldn't proces the request to obtain emergency travel docs from the embassy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 09:40
I spoke to someone at the passport office yesterday. Afraid I dont have the number as my PA put me through and she's not in today. There is no direct number to Liverpool. My passport has been there 6 weeks, they said it will likely be printed in the next 7 days and then sent to me which could take 7-10 days. I am travelling next Friday for work and they said that if my passport doesn't come (which it likely will not), that I should go to the British embassy here and request emergency travel documentation. I asked if they could send me my old passport as it has my residency visa inside (in the event my e-gate doesnt' work) when exit/entering and he said he would email liverpool and I may receive a call from them in 3 days where they'll let me know if they can send or not. Hope that helps but at least you know that worse case scenerio, if it doesn't come you can get travel documents. I will head to embassy on Sunday. By way of update, I did receive a call on Thursday and when I explained that I was travelling end of this week and would like my old passport back as it has my residency visa, he told me he would print the new one and send them both to me that day. Today I received my old one and the new one is likely to arrive in the next day or so! So perhaps explain when you're travelling to those on main switchboard and they'll have the liverpool office cal you back.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 15:18
I spoke to someone at the passport office yesterday. Afraid I dont have the number as my PA put me through and she's not in today. There is no direct number to Liverpool. My passport has been there 6 weeks, they said it will likely be printed in the next 7 days and then sent to me which could take 7-10 days. I am travelling next Friday for work and they said that if my passport doesn't come (which it likely will not), that I should go to the British embassy here and request emergency travel documentation. I asked if they could send me my old passport as it has my residency visa inside (in the event my e-gate doesnt' work) when exit/entering and he said he would email liverpool and I may receive a call from them in 3 days where they'll let me know if they can send or not. Hope that helps but at least you know that worse case scenerio, if it doesn't come you can get travel documents. I will head to embassy on Sunday.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 16:47
http://financialuae.me/2014/05/06/need-to-know-renting-in-dubai/
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 16:31
Highly unlikely to be plane food if none of the other passengers were ill. It was more likely something the children ate together prior to boarding the plane.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 16:22
From what I heard she returned to Lebanon. Oh, really!? I saw her in November and she told me she as leaving but she seemed to imply that she was going somewhere else but couldn't say. She definitely didn't say she was heading home :( In that case, does anyone know where Joseph has gone to? TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 15:38
I always find at spinnys in the baking section. To be honest, if I see it and I'm running low, I stock up as there can sometimes be a shortage. The bottles are tiny so yes, I tend to bring when i come from overseas There is also vanilla paste as well, in the same section.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 14:45
Then I think that if we do decide to hire this lady it will mean a trip to Kish for her. Just hope she won't be stuck there for too long as it seems like a bit of a silly trip. Just out of interest when was the last time you hired a maid? You mentioned this was recent? Who knows they may have changed the rules again... last thursday ;) Just to add, she entered on a tourist visa. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 21/04/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 13:31
hi ladies, my salma is 3.5 years and cannot form any sentences and even rarely using the words she knows very well .. I want your recommendations on The Developing Child Center, have you used their services, or have a friend who did.. what was your experience .. do you recommend them specially that they are costly .. thanks Check out Kids First on Al Wasl. We met with Andrea to do an assessment and then did a few sessions. I found them very helpful and they let me know when they thought she didnt need to go anymore. With my daughter it was more confidence with certain sounds. I dont remember the fee precisely but it was around 250-500 AED. Sorry but if you call they can tell you. The assessment was more expensive and we received a written assessment at the end.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 12:59
Thanks for your reply Xmasbaby. We are a little reluctant to hire her before meeting her as it will be our first time employing a maid. I was searching other posts, but the ones I found were a little old and mentioned that essentially it is impossible to hire a maid from the Philippines without making use of an agency (who charge quite a lot). Do you know if this is still the case? I also read that instead of sending them to Kish you can let them fly to Oman and then they come back the same day so won't have to stay overnight etc. We brought ours from the phillipines directly with no issue. We were also told that by immigration that we could send to Oman. We booked the flight and she was meant to leave that evening, then we went for the pink slip. It was then that they informed us that she had to exit first, before they would issue the pink slip. We asked to pay, but they said the rule had changed. We spoke to people all the wayu up the Captain. So we ended up losing the flight to Oman as they didnt' issue any reimbursements and had to send her to Kish. The reason Kish vs Oman is because they need a specific visa to enter Oman, which they don't need for Kish. In the end, it worked out. By way of background, we have been here about 7 years and have done 2 maids, and a driver so are fairly experienced in the process. Its only when it changes that it becomes confusing :) <em>edited by xmasbaby on 21/04/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 12:51
Someone did an excellent post on this the other day but I couldn't find it. Essentially, if you are going to hire her, your best bed is to do it before she arrives. Now, if she arrives on a visit visa, she has to officially exit the country, you then process it, and then get her the copy of the visa, (leave the original at the airport) and then she re-enters. We had to send our maid to Kish Island. Previously you were able to pay a "conversion" fee to avoid the hassel but apparently the rules have changed very recently. To avoid the flight costs of her having to fly to kish, hotel, it would make sense for you to do the process before she comes and send her the email copy of the visa, she can print and just enter. The downside is you won't meet her before she arrives.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 12:39
Use Tide Use oxibleach Wash at 90 degrees (so very hot) Dry in the direct sun I used to struggle with greys and then learned these tricks. My white are so white, they practically glow now!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 17:15
I love Repton. My child started in nursery and is now in year 3, and my other child is in nursery. Yes feels are high and yes we pay them ourselves but to be honest, we are exremely happy with the quality of education they receive. I've compared them to other children in their year group at home and they are far ahead. Over the years, we've had numerous friends repatriate to their home countries or other western countries and their children have been heaps and bounds ahead. Yes, the uniforms are costly, and yes the quality isn't ideal - in fact, some parents take them to the tailors and pick their own fabric etc. The trips are expensive but again, no one is forcing you to send your children. In the first few years, there were some challenges in the Senior school but those seem to have resolved itself and friends in senior school now say they are very pleased with the education. Yes the arabic is not outstanding but to be honest, their other academics is whats crucial to me - the information they'll need when they re-enter a similar curriculum and sad as it may be, Arabic won't be one of them. It is a big junior school but my youngest who is very timid is blossoming there. The teachers are so encouraging and she has become so confident. My oldest has always confident and thats encouraged as well. I would also be wary of what you read on expatwomen. From the day Repton opened, there have been heaps of horrible posts often based on hearsay. I went to an ECA recently where all the mums sat around bashing Repton, so I spoke up and asked if anyone of their children went there...no one did but they were basing on what they heard from other mums, whose children didn't go there. There seems to be a lot of pointing fingers about the kind of parents that go there....yes some are very rich, yes there are a lot of professional families, but also a lot of parents whose companies pay the education where they may not have afforded it otherwise. Yes, in the parking lot you may see a rolls royce but you will also see a tido.... We've had two issues there, and in each case, once we spoke to the pastoral care, followed by the headmaster, it was resolved immediately. I can't offer any input on VH but its a new school, so even if you do attend there, be prepared for some hiccups. All schools, go through them in the early days. I would go and see how you and your child feel and you're gut will help you decide. Not all schools are right for everyone. Good luck in your decision!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 15:44
Repton open
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 20:00
Does anyone know what channel - my uncle visiting and he wants to watch. please TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 08:36
I think that it is quite rude to suggest that they are just meeting their quotas for the day, what a shocking suggestion... believe it or not they are trying to prevent more deaths. edited by BubblingCreek on 15/01/2014 I agree but even if worse case, and it is for a quota - who's it protecting? Not them? Its your life at risk when you jaywalk and the driver who may not see you until its too late. 15 minutes in the grand scheme of things is not that long and better than running across a road, when it appears many people have been injured or have even died! I recall when we first moved over here in 2007, there were people running across the highway, more more often then now, and it was awful as a driver! I was terrified I would hit someone. I come from Canada though where jaywalking is illegal so perhaps I'm biased. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 16/01/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 13:22
has anyone checked these out - I'd like to book one for the weekend and not sure where...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2013 - 12:10
I can't get the link to the document to work :( but very cool !!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2013 - 16:32
where exactly is it? I was at the AR on the weekend for dinner (the pub part) and didn't see it at all? It is upstairs?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 December 2013 - 13:03
We ordered ours from amazon and then via shop and ship. The kids are so excited every morning to see what the elves are up too!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 08:44
Hey ladies! Was talking to DH about Christmas and felt a little sad when he said he doesn't really get how to "do" Christmas for our DD as his family never really celebrated it. He looked really upset when he said "We don't have any traditions for her" I told him that it can be what ever we want it to be and we can make our own traditions......so I'm on the hunt for some new ones! :) Besides hanging a stocking on Christmas eve for Santa to fill, leaving him and Rudolph a plate of goodies, and of course, Christmas dinner, what other traditions do you do with your kids during the Christmas period? DD is 17 months so we're really excited as this will be the first Christmas where she's starting to get whats going on, so want to make this the most Christmasy Christmas ever! Kind of want to do it for DH too as I think he'l love getting into the Christmas spirit. Planning on giving him a Santa's stocking too as he's never had one before but not too sure what to put in it. Any suggestions? Really looking forwards to hearing your replies! TIA and Merry Christmas!! :) xx I agree that xmas traditions evolve from your own family but I'll share what we did as kids and have now transferred to my children if that helps? - advent calendar from 1 December as well as tree up and decorations - elf on the shelf (this is a NEW tradition started by dh and I) - we buy a swarovski star and drink egg nog and say thanks for the great year that we've had (new tradition) - usually first few days of December we all sit down to write a letter to Santa and decorate it together - we go and see santa with our letter and take a picture. At home, we would go to a real winter village - here wafi - we always go to see a musical during the holiday season - in Canada there was always something my parents would take us to - here I take the kids to the pantos at madinat - on 6 December we bake mince pies, sour cream cookies and decorate. We make enough to last all xmas season to serve when guests pop in and out baked goods- christmas eve, we open 1 present, watch a xmas movie and sing carols, leave cookies for Santa and his reindeer (carrots) - we start tracking Santa on Norad http://www.noradsanta.org/ and usually around 10pm we call Norad to "find out where Santa is!" this is so real and the kids totally get a kick - it restores their faith. - christmas morning, we must have breakfast first - always the same - eggs, toast, baked beans, sausages, coffee, egg nog and champagne - we open play charades or board game and watch another xmas movie - we then get ready for a big xmas dinner. At home in Canada we would head to relative where the entire family would meet up for formal dinner followed by carols, board games and just jubilation (here we do the same with the family/friends that are around). - we take the tree down 12 days after xmas and say good bye until the next year. - in our stockings - its necessities, deodarent, gum, chapstick, chocolate, a plastic lump of coal, little pens, notebooks etc - we always have a gift from santa in personalised sacks for kids (mine is still the one I had as a child!) <em>edited by xmasbaby on 05/12/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 09:49
Nor mine. Which school has declared - would be keen to know if its British curriculum or not?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:38
Apparently, you're not allowed to give your bibs away...though I am not sure how they would monitor :) Seems like tons of people missed the registration and its been sold out for weeks.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 16:18
I always thought that putting your Christmas Tree up was personal preference. Taking it down though, has to be done before 12th night, always. same. My dad would have a conniption if he knew we sometimes keep our tree up after the 12th day! Sometimes its just so pretty, I don't want to! lol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 16:13
I married a Muslim man who identifies as a muslim but is quite open - his parents grew up in the west and so did he and so did I (just so you get the context). My dh doesnt' teach the kids islam other than the prayers, and I am not in a position to teach them. She learns a great deal at school as the KHDA requires that Muslim children at international schools have Islamic studies for at least 3hours a week. We review what she has learnt with her (prayers, concepts and discuss openly our views - moderate them so to speak. Despite going to a british school the views imparted on her are quite conservative when looking at the wide spectrum of Islam so we tailor it and explain our views so that she has the balance that we think age appropriate and aligned with our family values. What I'm trying to say is if I were in your shoes, I would remove my child, prioritise their academic education knowing that they will learn religion and you can supplement with an Iman if you think necessary. There are Imans that can attend your home weekly to continue to educate your daughter. Good luck - remember bullies and thats what these children are doing come in all religions and just because its a faith inspired school, doesn't make the school better (certainly as you're saying it fails academically) nor the kids there. They will likely develop a very narrow view on the world, adopting a us vs them attitude which I think IMHO, is a step backward.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 16:51
No way this is from DM. Unless they're lying about what their readership find annoying which is, as far as I can work out: 1. Foreigners 2. Immigrants 3. Benefit cheats 4. Paediatricians 5. Travellers Here's the link http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2509182/Queue-jumping-spitting-people-say-jel-Survey-reveals-things-REALLY-make-red.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 11:13
Hi there, Looking for someone to do a cake for my daughters birthday. She hates fondant and so we would prefer buttercream icing. Can anyone recommend someone? We used to use Jen and Nicky but looks like they've headed home. Thanks,
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 14:44
Previously when I've had friends divorce one of the couple has been well and truly off the Christmas card list so it hasn't been an issue but I'm unsure what to do with one couple this year. A friend from university broke up with her husband earlier this year. I met him when they started seeing each other about 12 years ago and consider him a friend too although not as good a one as her obviously. The break up was his doing although they've managed to keep things pretty amicable. She's hurt and whilst I think he's an idiot for leaving I still like him and don't want to pretend he doesn't exist - especially as they have children. So, what to do with their Christmas card this year? Putting all their names on the one card doesn't feel right. She is still in the ex marital home with the children, do I send a separate card for him there? Feels a bit weird. I don't have his new address and can't ask him as the only email address I have is a joint one. Should I ask my friend for his address? Add a note at the end of the card saying please pass on my Christmas wishes to him? I'll probably just tell my friend I'm a bit flummoxed but was wondering what others have done in this situation. I suppose if he expected/wanted you to contact him, he would have provided you with an alternative email (surely they now have independent email addresses), and/or address. I suppose if I were getting divorced, I would provide people with my updated contact details. If I didn't provide that info, I wouldn't expect people to get it via my ex...I mean, he's aware that the email you have is joint so if he expected to be in touch with you indepedent of his wife, to me, its clear that he would have contacted you via email on his new address, or by SMS. I do agree with you however, that xmas cards, with a personal note are lovely to send and to receive.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 17:03
yep we have one, brought it from canada and love it. The kids prefer it to ice cream and its delish!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 08:12
The John Lewis advert - absolutely beautifully done. I so miss home that time of year... http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XqWig2WARb0 That just made me feel utterly homesick! I too miss home at this time of the year. Great ad!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 08:08
You mean karaoke - it's japanese. Maybe this might help: http://www.dzooom.com/entertainment/4029/party-rentals/22182/cabaret,-karaoke,-clowns,-caricaturists-and-comedians (Karaoke is a word from Japan that was formed by joining two words [b'>kara[/b'>- from karappo which means empty; and [b'>oke[/b'> which is a short form for Okesutura and means orchestra. The full name karaoke means empty orchestra.) edited by AlwaysCurious on 11/11/2013 Thats brilliant and thank you for the tidbit of info. I realised I'd spelt it wrong afterthefact! lol This is very helpful - thanks again.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 22:17
Don't bother going there unless you like plastic. Was in Oasis this morning and thought I'd check it out. Like I said, not worth your while. Thats a shame I went years ago and it was all beautiful glass ornaments that I still cherish. Wasn't cheap but real keepers. Its sad to hear they've deteriorated.