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xmasbaby

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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 22:21
very easy to make! Get the Libby's pie filling and just enhance it, use cream instead of milk, add some nutmeg, cinnamon, even buckwheat for the crust etc. Bake. We made some last week for our thanksgiving and it was delish. Very easy to make though - my first time and it was devine!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 11:55
We did it and it was amazing but do not attempt with a stroller. Our little was able to run around and light enough to stick in mei tai (like a backpack) that we didn't get exhausted with all the climbing. There's a lot of climbing if you want to see various special places. We did it all and them some. On the second day, after visiting all the various sites, we tired out and rode a donkey, which she did as well, asleep and in the backpack. We also had our 7 year old and found it amazing either way. We carried lots of water and lots of fruit/snacks so to ensure they weren't hungry and filled up with big healthy breakfasts etc. We stayed at the movenpick so that if tired, we could nip back to the hotel for tea and then dinner. There isn't much to do once the sun sets (Friday there's a candle lit walk) so we were in bed quite early and fully refreshed. Have fun, I would say its doable. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 09/10/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 12:20
Never been upto BAS....do you know how long it takes to drive there from the villa/dso area ? May have to give it ago at Xmas, thanks for sharing :-) Oh its fab and from the Villa - its quite close - about 20-25 mins. Take 611 to Um Barsha and head east (so the opposite direction to the ranches).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 10:22
Any recommendations for a proper turkey dinner, christmas carols, and decorations. We were suppose to go home but may not anymore :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 10:19
Plus saying thanks to the natives, without whom, the pilgrims would have starved! :) Yes - lol, I totally meant remembering the natives who fed the pilgrams!! key bit of info :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 10:13
Why are there two different dates for Thanksgiving in the US and Canada? Short answer (there's a lot more to it but too much history to write) - Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest which happens in October as Winter starts sooner. It actually started in the 1500's as people travelled to Canada from England and they gave thanks for arriving safely and then became about the harvest. It started in the States mid 1600's again people giving thanks for a successful harvest. The US Thanksgiving is also based on remembering the pilgrims and settling in a new land. I think in the 1900s the dates were fixed - Canada being 2nd Monday of October and in the States, final Thursday in November. So while the "same" holiday, two countries, different beginnings.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 09:50
When we were in motor city GC, it was hit or miss. We had tons of leftover candy for weeks. What was hilarious however, was one house, was beautifully decorated for halloween that my dd was so excited to trick or treat there. So we get there and she says "Trick or Treat" and they kind of smiled and just looked at her like what do you you want. They were friendly enough but they had no idea they were suppose to give candy...and of course she stood there, smiling, waiting for candy. I realised what was happening and had to call her along. She was so utterly confused but it still makes me chuckle. In Canada growing up, we would go from house to house for hours filling up bags and bags, houses would be decorated and it was so exciting. I'm really pleased that my children get to enjoy some form of it here, despite not being at home. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 08/10/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 09:06
We have one via Zurich. Keren Bobker was very helpful in arranging for us.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 08:50
Yes, I ordered from Amazon. It helped.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 08:49
Spinny's has butterball, the one in DSO.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 08:45
Oh no! Well at least you'll be together. Happy Thanksgiving!!!! We did ours dinner last night as it was easier to coordinate the cooking as I did all the prep on Saturday (working mum). It was hilarious b/c around noon our Turkey still hadn't fully thawed - thought we'd have a sitcom situation on our hands but it turned out fine in the end! Miss smelling bonfires, and seeing the autumn leaves, this time of year brings! <em>edited by xmasbaby on 08/10/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 12:18
yep, my eldest dd missed the cut off by about 7 days. Despite her being "ready" to start a year earlier, she started as per the guidelines. At that time, KDA didn't have get involved and I understand that now they do and so there is discretion. Having said that, my dd is the oldest in her class and is doing outstanding. Her maturity has made the work quite straightforward for her and has built her confidence.She loves school and wizes through her tasks. I actually think it was the best thing for her and looking back, glad it happened as it did.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 10:41
My laptop (pc) is just about toast and would like to get a MAC this time. Need it to do basic documents (word), download pictures with minimal adobe editing (personal stuff - so nothing high tech) and essentially browse the internet. Have Ipad but still prefer laptop for browsing so basically no special digital artistry! I do care about speed though and like to have space to store pics Any suggestions, don't want to buy more than I need and if you know the cost, that would be great too. Thanks!! <em>edited by xmasbaby on 02/10/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 12:18
We've seen the audiologist at American Hospital and found them quite good. They have a fairly big department and child specialists.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:52
We give carrot sticks, celery sticks with hummous, cheese sticks and apples, sandwich meat wrapped around cheese, crackers & jam. Our dd, hates sandwiches and hardly ate the leftover dinners even if she loved it at dinnertime so we find a variety of finger foods works best.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:35
We moved to the villa about 1 year and a half ago from the Ranches and then Motor City (The Green Community) both very developed areas with community pools. We moved into Phase 2 because for the same sized home, we were saving a huge amount. We hired a driver so that our children could go to extra curricular activities and joined the polo club so that we can lounge by the pool on the weekends. We still ended saving about substantially with the move. I have to say, if you're in Phase 1, its amazingly picturesque and yes, while the shops are about 10 minutes away, not that big of a deal. Whats disappointing is the lack of landscape in our phase. So when you look out, its just a big sandpit. We were promised it would be completed end of last year and to date, no progress. I think b/c we're quite settled here and can get around easily its not a big deal but it might be depressing for someone new to Dubai. 1. How far are shops (supermarket etc)? Are there amentites in the community? - 10 minutes, there's one in falcon city, near the skycourt appartments and in DSO. They are building one in the Villa but wouldn't hold your breath on completion schedule. 2. Are there community pools/playgrounds? There's a playground in Phase 1. You have to drive there from Phase 2. No common pools. 3. Which area/s are now completed? We have built a house in Perth and have lived in a building site for 12 months so ideally would prefer to live in an area which is finished. Phase 1 only. The rest is a building site and just sand. 4. How long roughly would the drive be from The Villa to Sharjah? How far to restaurants/beach etc? On Emirates Road, Sharjah will take 20 minutes - its actually really fast. To the beach/30 minutes, to Downtown (DIFC/Dubai Mall, where there are loads of restaurants) - 10 minutes tops - thats the best thing about it!!! 5. Is it a safe area? I read on a website that the security is not as good as other communities? It is safe. I go for a nightly walk on streets where there are 2 or 3 house occupied. I don't go alone but I often cross paths with security guards who now know me. In terms of the entrance, the security at the Green Community always waved people in and the only time I ever felt like security was doing their job was at the Mirador in the Ranches. Having said that, my friend lives there and her house was broken into last week, while they were asleep so nothing is sure fire. Good luck with your decision!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 22:48
Thanks!! Thinking, even an al a carte restaurant but for Friday during brunch timing would be suitable.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 14:11
Places for JESS will be very hard to get, look at DAA or DIA the one that is in Emirates hills. http://www.diadubai.com/intro/ We're Canadian and put ours at Repton. We knew one other parent who is a teacher in Canada and their kids went to BC schools and given his understanding of the Canadian curriculum wasn't concerned at all. They were at Repton too edited for spelling! <em>edited by xmasbaby on 16/09/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 14:03
We have kids in the junior school and are very pleased. We had friends move their kids to a school ranked "outstanding" only due to cost and they said that they wished they had kept them at R as they felt the kids were getting more out of the experience. Another friend moved their kids to another outstanding school and said it was the best move for them as their children preferred the smaller school enviroment. Its all about preference so your best bet is to check it out. We love it for our little ones.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 13:37
There's quite a number of threads on this as well if you do search - lots of views! lol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 16:34
If people read the question, this is about an EXTRA flight ( as has already been pointed out!). The contract requires the payment of cash if she does not take a flight AFTER the contract , not on an optional one! sorry upon reading the subject title and then the OP's message, I thought she was asking if in general, we would provide our maid with cash in lieu of a flight home if she didnt' take the flight home. I guess I don't see the big deal. If you were willing to pay the money anyway, why not give the cash - you're no more out of pocket?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 16:30
Hi Can anyone tell me kid friendly restaurants that can cater for coeliac disease? Any advise would be gratefully appreciated! Thanks edited by pocketrocket on 12/09/2012 Carluccio's has a GF menu. No child menu but they have a few basic pasta dishes.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 15:12
Yes. Its a benefit that she's entitled to and unfortunately for some the money is more useful than the flight. I suppose its a matter of policy, the company I work for says if you don't use your flights you lose it, so no cash equivalent. Having said that, I've always felt that if my maid didn't go home, she's entitled to the cash equivalent of a flight and have given her the case in cases where she didnt' want to go home.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 16:02
I have an Ethiopian maid who's visa will not run out untill after she returns from her scheduled months holiday. Do I need to complete any government paperwork to allow her to leave and re-enter Dubai? you must call the embassy, Ethiopia no longer allows girls to come and work here, so not sure if she will be able to re enter? Please let me know what you find out. We aren't due a break til Jan, but i have been wondering about this. Really? Our Ethiopian maid has been with us for going on 6 years and we have a trip planned for her in December. Her visa expires in Jan - we always time it so that she enters a few days before its expiry and we've never had any issues. Is this a new regulation?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 14:44
Friends arrived last night in T3 coming from Toronto Canada (so you need a visa prior to entry) and they landed 45 mins early and were out waiting for us within 5 mins of their expected arrival time...lol They said customs was super fast.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 14:01
But why keep duplicating the foods that make you sick? Does this not just perpetrate the feelings of missing out on all the "good stuff"? There are lots of healthy desserts that do not contain wheat - there are lots of cakes that do not contain wheat; could even make an ice cream cake; again no wheat; so comments about children missing out on a birthday cake are a bit left field. I rarely eat bread, pasta or wheat and I don't try and find "fakes" of them either, albeit i dont have any allergy to them, just feel healthier when i don't. So was just wondering why people do try and find alternatives to the foods that poison them - also in the long run doesn't this actually make it harder; having to constantly check packets and the fact that you "can't have" always being there as a reminder - if that makes sense. Was also wondering, aren't a lot of these alternatives really over processed foods - and are these actually good for people who are sensitive to what they eat? You realise that a gluten intolerance is more than just wheat right? Its any derivative of wheat, rye and barley. You also realise that some ice cream contains gluten too right? Doing it as a health kick is very different then not being able to have it. Anyone can give it up for a short period. You're right that some options are over-processed but some are not. This has to be a windup - not giving this thread anymore of my attention.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 13:30
Seen lots of threads on here asking for alternative breads / pastas etc and always wonder why do those who have these intolerance just not embrace the fact that these foods are out of their diet and just forget about them rather than trying to duplicate or imitate the original? Especially when it appears that the alternatives and imitations are not as good. Just wondering. A lot of people who have wheat/rye/barley/gluten intolerance or celiacs, are diagnosed not just at birth. For someone who's diagnosed later in life, it means cutting out a whole slew of food they would have probably eaten their whole life. It means more than just bread no longer being an option, it means spices that contain gluten, pasta, anytype of baked dessert, any type of savoury pastry/pie, certain flavourings that are put onto crisps, popcorn nuts, or snack type food, anything thats fried, soya sauce, certain gravies, sauces - the list goes on and on. I know you preface your question by saying you're just wondering but its quite offensive. Why should't people seek alternatives that fit within their diet? Under your theory, a child who has celiacs should never have a birthday cake, b/c that wouldn't be embracing their health issue. I think thats one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. Its no different that suggesting people stop dying their hair when they grey, or shave their bodies of its hair, or wear makeup, or if you have an illness, why bother getting treatment, just embrace it... <em>edited by xmasbaby on 09/09/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 09:08
I got my period when I was 12 and similar to some of others we had a big dinner and ice cream. They didn't discuss it at the dinner table or anything but it was clear that we were celebrating my change. My mum then had a chat about how best to cope, little tactics etc. It definitely made it easier and less of a negative.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 12:15
We have AXA and we're happy. We've never had a claim on our contents so can't speak to their response but I've heard good things.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 10:39
Just a little bump for the morning crowd :) TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2012 - 18:18
Does anyone have or know where I can find a stand up jewellry armour. I need a organised way to sort my jewellry. I have one now thats a standup but half way and I've run out of room. Any suggestions?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 August 2012 - 23:12
yes, thats it BiscuitMuncher!!! Thank you!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 18:41
That would be awesome! I know I made a note of the company but can't find it, or the original post! lol
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 17:19
Just so other parents/aunts know - If you go to settings on the iphone or ipad, select General, and then Restrictions, enable restrictions,you can change the settings for Music & Podcasts/Films/TV Programs/Apps etc using ratings from age 4,then 10, then 13, then 18 etc. Its automatic so if a child is playing you can enable and then disable when they're done. It would remove any apps, or not allow anything on Utube or otherwise on the phone. Its brilliant! So if a child is
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 August 2012 - 17:13
Thanks Sarah, thats great. This particular company did emergency pick up/drop off of people - so I could schedule say someone to pick my mum daily take her to the gym and bring her back - same driver, set fee. It also did grocery delivery which is what prompted me to look at it. Now I need it to arrange a scheduled pickup/delivery. I recall really thinking it looked reputable and someone vouched for it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2012 - 00:26
Thank you!!! That's awesome. Looks like DH will be heading to Sharjah tomorrow :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 19:23
Just heard Eid on Sunday. Anyone know if it's true?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 11:46
High protein/low carb is fine when pregnant, not Atkins extreme, but 40gm a day should suffice. Make sure you keep your water up, take your prenatals and calcium supplements also. There are things which may say otherwise but realistically a healthy diet, high in colourful vege, fruits, fish, meat etc is what is important. You do need grains, so get those with highly seeded very dark rye, even oats. Congratulations on your pregnancy! Agreed. I was 10kg overweight when I became pregnant and my doctor told me to avoid starches (potatoes rice etc) and eat the healthier alternatives but at about 40 g a day tops.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:17
Hi there, Thanks! I appreciate your guidance. My dd is 30 months but I notice she has trouble with certain sounds -say for example she can't pronounce "f", or "l words but can say lalala etc. Ive done the hearing test and they said it was fine.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 16:58
Tried the link but nothing loaded on the screen for about 2 hours (left it sitting in background). Stopped it and redid it and the same thing. So tell us, since you are seeing stuff - any verdict!?!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 16:58
My toddler is with Little GEMS International where they have digi learning that starts from 3 months! It's done in a very clever way so children use iPads and iPods and other gadgets as part of their day. It's brilliant. School life has come a long way since I was a child! May I ask how the 3 mth olds are taught with the iPads? (not a judgmental question, I have a one month old so am curious). I saw a game that shows a big picture and says the name - kind of like a flashcard. So it would show a doll and say DOLL. It changed fast enough to keep the little ones entertained. Can't remember the name though. Also good sing a long games - where you can sing with the baby with background music. Its fun too! <em>edited by xmasbaby on 06/08/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 13:17
Great! Thanks
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 09:55
it's fine for you to feel morally superior - everyone is entitled to their opinion but you might like to bear in mind that when your child's school brings in IPads, as so many schools already have, he may be left behind...many if not most of the other children will already have the advantage of being familiar with the new technology whereas your luddite child may feel lost.... I agree that young children shouldn't be glued to computers but i have to accept that limited and supervised use is becoming more and more necessary in today's world... I agree with this post - you do seem to have a holier than thou attitude - you may have a different opinion but to judge other parents on theirs simply b/c you do not get it is unfair. My child aged 2 uses my ipad to play all sorts of educational games and can work her way around the Ipad just as well as her older sister. Is it about being non-interactive? No way - its just like them reading, colouring, or doing any other activity. Is it the only activity they play, not at all. <em>edited by xmasbaby on 06/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 09:50
we pay 400/pmth. Our gardener comes daily and our grass is the brightest most full grass I've ever seen in my life. It is so soft and vibrant. We have lots of flowers too. We're really pleased with him.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 15:35
My dad gave my mum a diamond and sapphire ring as a push present; that was in the UK and a few decades ago - so neither a new thing or a Dubai thing Exactly. Its really not a new thing or a Dubai thing. Edit to add: Lovely present by the way! edited by JBR_Mummy on 05/08/2012 Yes, definitely not a new thing. My dad gave my mum a diamond and saphire ring (it coudn't have been expensive as they were struggling students but she wears with her wedding band everyday since I was born 40 years ago). That was in England. I doubt they called it a "push" present as its coined nowadays but it was certianly a little gift/token for carrying their baby and going through the birthing process for both of them. For each of my children, my dh, bought me a David Yurman baby bracelet with the relevant birthstone on it. They are thin enough to wear daily and i love them. In fact I never take them off. Push presents don't need to be expensive, I think its just a gesture based on appreciation.
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Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 13:00
I always use tap water for cooking, tea, coffee brushing teeth etc. use bottled for drinking. same here
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Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 22:51
There are tons of tutorials on you tube - just type in naked pallette makeup tutorial and tons of them come up.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2012 - 10:54
Ok updates on what Ive found out so far : According to Life Pharmacy, melatonin used to sold in the UAE as a food or diet supplement. However recently (within the last 6mths) the UAE decision makers decided that its effects were not as a food supplement, but rather as a medical aid or of medical benefit. Therefore, it does not appear on the government list of approved supplements or medicines however it is also not listed as a banned supplement or medicine - he checked on their online system while I was there. The pharmacies used to sell it (and some may still be selling existing stock) but if they were caught now, they would be fined and have other penalties imposed (to be defined case by case Im sure). In the meantime, the authorities here are conducting their own research on melatonin and tis could take anytime, 6mths, 1yr, 2yrs etc .. who knows when and what the outcome will be. For me, I wont be using it here or elsewhere just in case. Valerian is also being re-classed in the same way as melatonin... Therefore, Ive been given Gaba (Gamma Amino Acid?) to try .......I will keep you posted on whether it works or not :) I feel like I wold write a paper on this subject now LOL!! you said its not banned but theyre not allowed to sell them here? I asked The Marina Pharmacy in the DIFC and they said to get it from a health food store as its not a prescription so they dont' sell it. All very confusing.
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 16:07
I've always heard it was banned, based on the 2008 incident (I was here when it happened) but I've never seen it on the banned list. Mind you, I went online to check out the various lists last night and all the relevant pages of the relevant websites, had nothing - so I referred to my 2009 list someon had posted on EW. Out of curiosity what was the '2008 incident'? The media reported that a tourist visiting Dubai was detained and arrested b/c he had a bottle of melatonin with him. At the time it wasn't on the banned list (not sure if it is now) so it created quite a bit of frenzy. I have no idea if he was released afterwards once they confirmed that it was only melatonin, or whether he was held for the 3 years.
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Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 21:59
And yes, in Ramadan, women especially need to be more cautious. A man can break his fast over a scantily clad woman. edited by Marroosh on 29/07/2012 You seriously believe that if a man, looks at a scantily dressed woman and breaks his fast, that is HER fault, thats a shame. He should be able to look at a scantilly dressed woman and continue his fast by feeling nothing - thats fasting, its facing temptation, or howsoever one would describe it, and be able to keep one's mind pure. If you have to remove all temptation then its not really fasting is it? I agree that people should respect the rules, but the rules are not clear and the messages are mixed, which goes back to the original point about things needing to be clarified.