xmasbaby | ExpatWoman.com
 

xmasbaby

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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2013 - 09:15
There's a word on the tip on my tongue - a more formal way of saying 'spir of the moment'. Something unplanned. I don't know if it would be deemed more a more formal way of saying it, but how about impromptu?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2013 - 09:11
Padded Bra in 36 E size :-( I'm a 36E and there are tons of padded bras in M&S and Debenams (the gorgeous label). Quite the opposite to you, I hate padded bras at my size bust and prefer the ones without and they are always not as nice without the padding (plane jane ones)!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2013 - 09:09
Aveda Hair Products Agreed!! Was just figuring out costs to order from Amazon with shop and ship! Also, neostrata facial products. I have been using them for years and when I moved here, I tried to use tons of other brands that were highly recommended and realised it was best to go back to what I knew worked for me. Now when I go home I buy a years supply of wash, facial creams etc and bring back with me.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2013 - 09:01
sounds good. I sometimes, make the top part, cauliflower mash, made same as the mash potatoes. It turns out great and you can't tell the difference.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 12:01
Dumb question (I am new to Dubai) but when you order from the lululemon site do you give them your house address or your PO Box address please? Its via Fedex so you would give them your house/office address.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 13:04
What did you do to the temp?? Changed it from 40 degrees to 90 degrees for whites.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 13:03
so what do you do now thats changed the colour? and what vanish do you use? :) To be honest, my laundry was just horrible. The whites were greying and the colours dull. For white, I now put it on the highest temperature (90 degrees C), use tide, mixed with the Vanish for whites and stain remover, add a teaspoon of oxybleach in the pre-wash cycle, and wash. When finished, I lay in the sun for about 15 minutes and they are bright white! As for my colours, I bought Vanish for colours, and colour grab to prevent colours from running onto other colours but wondering if there is a way to revive the colours that were dulled by previous washes?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 12:44
So after 5 years of having dull greying whites, I happened to be browsing the forum one evening and came across a post on washing whites! Well, that put me on a mission and I can't believe the results. My old greying tshirts/nickers/towels are now flourescent white! They look brand new! In total shock and now so excited to do laundry have taken over from the helper! The funny thing was it was just slight tweak to temperature, adding Vanish and drying in the Sun. We always used Tide. Now how to get my coloureds vibrant again?!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 11:57
I'm a Canadian and have either lived in or visited every province of Canada. Given a choice between Toronto and Vancouver, I'd definitely choose Toronto. As noted previously, Vancouver can very depressing during the winter months, especially if your are accustomed to the daily sunshine in Dubai. I would suggest looking in the Toronto area. Living in downtown Toronto isn't where you want to be with small children (just as you probably don't live in downtown Dubai), but the suburbs are great! Lots of wonderful Multicultural neighbourhoods. Richmond Hill, Markhamand Newmarket are all fantastic areas - in fact, I would recommend anywhere in York Region. And I echo the sentiments of the previous poster regarding driving - you will be surprised at how polite the Canadians are! As far as the winter goes- yes it can be brutal, but so can a 45+ degrees day in Dubai! When the weather is bad, you stay inside! Canada is a beautiful country, and I'm sure you'll be very happy wherever you settle. Good luck with your move! Agree. I lived in both and loved loved loved Vancouver, but ended up back home in Toronto. I lived both downtown and in the suburbs (but westend) so Etobicoke, and Oakville. Very different feels. Pricey areas tend to have better school districts so keep that in mind when comparing costs.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 20:47
I ordered twice from Lululemon online store. $30 flat rate shipping fee to UAE. The second time I ordered, I had to pay Dhs250 for customs as my stuff reached over 300$. OH no, mine was around that cost!! EEK. How long did it take to arrive to you?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 20:46
I really find the quality of the clothing has declined. I bought some excellent quality workout clothes from Costco this summer-somehow the quality was better... The issue with Costco is that if you miss its gone, never to return! I've bought some great stuff from there in the past, return a day later to get more and they are gone!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 16:41
I contacted them about a month ago and there is no centre in Dubai. You can order material from Bahrain where there is a centre. We went with Sylvan as an alternative.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 15:20
I think Arabian Ranches. I m sure we can sort out a venue - Dubai is not that huge! I' m delighted that you are interested and Sept sounds great. Evening would suit me as I work although there is always the weekend too. I m trying the Talise one this evening and I think there is a course in another place on Al Wasl but somehow feel a free gathering is more in the spirit of it. How was the Talise one? I am interested in something like this as well so curious to hear your feedback.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 14:40
Did you get the induction day email? In part it says: "In order for your children to be fully at ease when they begin their education here with us, we would like to invite them to attend a short induction morning on Sunday the 1st of September, from 9am-10am. We hope that this will be a very relaxed hour, allowing you and your children the opportunity to meet their teacher for the first time and become familiar with their new classroom and school." That is for nursery if that is what you mean by FS1, I get confused by all the different terms! I think I remember finding out earlier for my oldest child although my mind could be deceiving me on that, I can't remember what I had for breakfast most days ;) Thanks! I did receive that email but in my older daughter's case, we were notfied of the teachers name in advance and met them on the first day (just went back through old emails!) I was just being overly curiuos :) I guess I'll just have to wait - :) TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 13:47
Has anyone seen Lululemon workout clothes in Dubai? I was able to order online from the lululemon american store. It ships via Fedex to dubai! I ordered last night so I'll let you know. They had some really good stuff over the summer but my suitcase was too full, and the lady in the store mentioned.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 21:23
Waitrose Dubai Mall. How do you cook it? I tried recently and it was tough and disgusting. Do you have to remove the ribs? I actually blend it with celery, mint, black pepper and Celtic salt. To cook - I remove ribs and cook with olive oil and onions, chili and a bit of garlic.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 19:04
I've had such good luck with them. Disappointing to hear that.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 08:22
Oh I'm so happy to have seen this thread! My dh almost had a heart attack when our little picked up a bat in this summer and used it like a cricket bat! lol So thrilled to hear there are options here Can anyone confirm - are the games on the weekends? Or during the week?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2013 - 18:28
We have some rellies coming to visit. Two are total gym buffs and have asked about membership for the 2 weeks that they are visiting. One is a professional bodybuilder so he really needs to know options before coming. Does anyone know what gyms allow a daily rate/or weekly rate or might permit guests to use for a set fee?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 11:25
http://www.mediclinic.ae/FindPhysician.aspx?dname=&hid=10&dpid=122 Dr Eisa Al-Hemrani, is excellent and all my GP friends refer to him. Thats fantastic thank you! We are seeing him next week :) <em>edited by xmasbaby on 11/06/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 11:25
How old is your DD? Is it related to sports? 3 1/2 so probably not.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 10:57
Apparently there is a ped neurologist at Habib al sulaiman who comes once a month. I have no experience with him but was looking up the info for a freind whose relocating here soon
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 01:00
Another thing that is proving very popular with my daughter and her friends in the Topmodel drawing/colouring type books. I saw some in Virgin at Diera City Centre. Guessing borders etc may have them too...they basically design clothes for the base model and can use stickers in the book to enhance the picture etc.. My 7 year old LOVES these - they have them at borders as well!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 00:55
yeah!!!!!!!!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 00:52
About 150 AED generally
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 00:48
Just looking for an idea - my friend is getting married to a girl from Canada. To be a bit different, instead of table numbers, they're doing famous UAE landmarks and Canadian landmarks, with a corresponding picture and brief description of a a different landmark at each table. They somehow want to tie that into giving away the centrepiece to one person at each table. Does anyone have an idea. They did consider a quiz and highest score per table would take it home but they only have 2 minutes to allocate to this part, and felt a quiz would be too lengthy. Suggestions welcome!! lol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 00:41
Gone Girl Safe Haven Defending Jacob
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 13:09
I'm thinking of getting my DH a set of Global knives as he's always moaning about us not having sharp knives. Other than that, he has everything (he wants). Look at Global knives on amazon.co.uk, the 11 piece set is £1,150 but its half that here in Dubai for the same set. Sorry to hijack - but my dh would love this - where did you find them here?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 14:03
yes I do. When I was about 26, I used to go for facials 1x a month - extraction, followed by glycolic peel. My skin was suberp, glowing and looked fantastic. Life went on, moved here, stopped going. 13 years later, when I look at the pictures of the time when i went for facials, its amazing to me to see the difference in my skin. Some would say age - but pictures before the facials, vs, during, vs after are remarkable. I have resumed facials in the last 4 weeks, and my skin feels so clean, and my spots are going away. I think there is so much grime, dirt and sand here that our poors get unnaturally clogged. I notice a difference already but again, i'm doing extractions and now microdermabrasion. In respect of aromotherapy, and various products, I don't see a difference at all.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 13:11
We had the same thing happen to us. Our landlord owns several properties, and went to the Dubai court and requested the letter. So we called RERA. They advised us to go to Dubai court and request a similar letter, stating that we required 12 months notice and would not be leaving. You go to the court, there are translators there and they stamp it with Dubai court and notarise it. They deliver it. It is not a decision of the dubai court, it is a letter notarised by the Dubai court. You can go and get a similar letter - do not panic. I think landlords are thinking that you can boycott RERA by going this route, as they assume people will panik - which we did and just follow the instructions. Anyways, our LL has finally filed a case with RERA against us, following us filing a case with RERA against him - and our hearing is next week. Don't panic, just go and get a similar letter or don't bother and just go to RERA - they govern tenant and landlord relations. I wonder if we have the same landlord!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 16:43
Because nicotine is addictive and it is a really hard addiction to break. I think that's the main reason. I doubt that there is any smoker who doesn't wish to be a non-smoker. Yes, thats true but I also wonder what prompts the younger generation to start in the first place. There is so much greater awareness of its adverse effects, including the warnings on the labels, to actual evidence documenting how bad it is compared to say when I was growing up. I guess it's like all other addictive substances.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 15:00
how awful!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:23
I understand both sides but also agree it's a cultural thing. I was concerned when I saw our nanny taking pics of and with my DD with her phone but DH assured me there was nothing to worry about (he's lived in DXB for many many years). DD fits the blond blue eyed description which may at times make her a more attractive photo subject to certain nationalities, but in any case, the nanny just wanted to share photos with her family in the Philippines and when she did go on leave and came back all members of her family had sent little gifts for DD which was very sweet. I do agree however that in a public setting I would not approve of strangers taking photos of my child without asking me first. And at the end of the day a mother's feeling or intuition about a situation is something that cannot be conveyed in a post on this board. Let's just consider the concern GB expressed and move on:-) well said.. I just want to highlight that its not isolated to children with blond hair and blue eyes. My kids are tanned, with dark hair and dark eyes, very Arab looking to be frank and a lot of times when we go out, we find people taking pictures of them, attempting to pick them up or giving them candy - all things that would just not be acceptable back in the West. A few weeks ago for example, a few locally dressed girls approached us and asked if they could take a picture of our daughters. So my husband said, im sorry we dont really like people taking their pictures but may we ask why? And it was as simple, omg, they are so adorable, i just wanted to show my friends. Who knows if they were being honest, but it seemed innocent enough. Similarily a few philipina's told me they like to show the kids to their families back home as a sense of pride as to where they are living (it being so cosmopolitan). Did that change our opinion and let them take the pictures but perhaps we were a bit less appaulled. At the end of time parents need to only permit what they are comfortable with. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 19/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 15:16
I read about this on CNN and apparently some clues/leads in the investigation led to both the UAE and Russia so in light of the recent Cleveland kidnappings (and media awareness), she's hoping that people will read the letter and keep an eye out. She has never stopped looking for her daughter and I hope that one day she finds her. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 15/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 14:51
Dr Tariq at AH. I found him overzealous in his testing but in the end, he was right and it was a very rare condition.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 14:11
Just called Cello and they said they still haven't received any results..
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 14:10
I've just forwarded you the message Laurelm sent me, dxbfamilia. Oh, will do the other two now! Thank you!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 14:04
My favorite site for acquiring US tv shows is now 'surf safely'! If this is how this day is going to go, I'm going back to bed! One of them has gone. There are 2 others still available and the main one for US shows is still up and running could you please email me - haven't been able to watch all the season finales last week! lol <em>edited by xmasbaby on 15/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 11:01
obviously none of you have tried to access any dodgy website then !! lol Could be wrong but I think OP means the screen that tells you that the site you have tried to log onto does not conform to UAE regulations... or are you both asking rhetorically ? ;) No to clarify, I keep getting the same message when i try to access the site the original poster is talking about! lol Yes I know that! !! Thats what sucks! <em>edited by xmasbaby on 15/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 09:50
obviously none of you have tried to access any dodgy website then !! lol Could be wrong but I think OP means the screen that tells you that the site you have tried to log onto does not conform to UAE regulations... or are you both asking rhetorically ? ;) No to clarify, I keep getting the same message when i try to access the site the original poster is talking about! lol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 09:43
Yesterday. Thanks Bird, may I ask with which ballet school? Turning Pointe. Call them, they should all come together. Yes, I heard all exam results were released at the same time. Once my dd heard others were getting theirs, she started getting anxious! I guess we'll hear in the next few days! We're also with Cello, same exam date.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 09:39
yep same here... as in when I get to said screen, I get the same message!! <em>edited by xmasbaby on 15/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 09:30
The venue was a disgraceful embarrassment to such talented performers. The Dancers and Musicians brought their Magic to Dubai. Their professionalism and fortitude was a tribute to their talents, unwavering discipline and passion. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to watch such amazing talent perform with the highest standards with complete disregard to the ridiculous surroundings. The song by Queen, "The Show must go on," played in mind at times. Thank you dearly to every member of The Royal Moscow Ballet. My 7 year old daughter watched with enchantment, with wide eyes from start to finish. I watched her, watch them at times. Absolutely Magical! My 7 year did as well. I spent a few minutes just looking at her!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 09:29
Yesterday. Thanks Bird, may I ask with which ballet school?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 09:28
We use most of our North American kitchen products here (including our Kitchen Aid). Just head down to ACE and get one of their voltage adapters. It will work fine!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 15:07
I would go into Rera and ask for an earlier date. Make up some story that perhaps your husband has to be out of the country on a business trip or something but ask if it's possible. I would get my case in first for sure..... Get a file ready of all emails from him and from you, letters, etc that can prove and back up all your case. do you have any e mails from the selling agent arranging property viewings - if you do root them out and show them...... good luck Keep calm, be polite. He does have to give you 12 months notice and if he has sold your tenancy agreement has to be taken over by the new owner. As he has filed a case against you it sounds odd and doesn't sound like he has sold the property - he is perfectly free to sell his property with you in it as tenants but he just has to abide by the law and give you a years notice...... Purely out of interest - what nationality is your LL. Thanks Claire. Husband is down there now trying to get clarity. We've aslo received texts with 3 different dates so not sure what is going on. No he definitely hasn't sold it, he lied the first time and then refused to provide new owners details, then asked us to show it, admitting it wasn't sold, then didn't go through with that deal, then told us his son needs it and is now saying that he just wants to sell it without us in it. In fact, his initial vacate letter (not notarised) tells us what great tenants we are! LL is local.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 14:42
Will it really matter which one is first as i am guessing both are the same issue..... if the LL is in the wrong they should still find in your favour. Well he's claiming that he wants to sell the property and we won't show it which is complete ********!He's only asked us to show it 2x and in one instance, the family came back 5 x and had tea! The deal fell through b/c when they were signing the sale and purchase agreement, the landlord decided to increase the price at the last minute! We are claiming that we require 12 months notice which we haven't received. He has instead lied, that he sold it, then didnt sell it, then needed it for his son, and now he wants to sell it...AGH I guess we would go to his, and then if we lose (lets say hypothetically) - do we go to our case? what happens if we win one and lose the other, what happens if he loses both, would he pay both court cases? It just seems weird to me that he was given an earlier date.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 10:38
Oatmea, and fruit smoothy (we put yoghurt, milk and sometimes it plain, or put some fruit - blend). That way she has some protein and some carbs
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 14:55
Now that takes me back. Used to buy this for my dad when I was small. Same here - thats exactly how I felt when I read this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 14:53
Am actually surprised that people are "shocked" at the acoustics.... it was being held in an exhibition hall; i would have been surprised IF the acoustics were good. I have to agree - it did state it was a DWTC so I didn't expect great acoustics.