Desertbeauty | ExpatWoman.com
 

Desertbeauty

37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2017 - 15:08
Hi, Thanks so much for the replies. Really very much appreciated. los if you could put me in touch that would be great! I'm exploring all options at the moment. Also, I am trying to link up with like minded women who are starting their own businesses to network and share ideas. I've registered with a few local groups like heels and deals but they don't seem to be very active? Any recommendations? I know there are many like minded creative people in Dubai :-)
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 15:38
OMG - i can't believe this thread.... You left your cats alone for 4 days without someone coming to feed or clean them. ???? I'm trying to find a maid- please don't hijack the thread I don't think that I said that anywhere that I left my cats alone for 4 days?!! How ridiculous. I paid the security staff in my building to feed my cats and give them fresh water every day. On top of that I paid my agency cleaner to come in and clean my flat twice in the week - even though we were not there -specifically to empty out the old cat litter, wash the container and replace with fresh litter. Much better arrangement then traumatising them by moving them to boarding, in a cramped and confined space where they are exposed to other diseases in my opinion.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 14:43
Mine said "Accompany who is kind to you... No to drugs" Very weeeeiiird... Ha ha ha- I thought that it was just me!! I got this text as went through customs on Friday coming back from Singapore! Thought it was some strange initiative relating to that!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 14:33
Check on the forum there is one lady suggesting of a maid from Kenya Thanks for replying to my mail- I saw the thread before posting. Looking to avoid such situations - hiring someone direct with no experience of working with a western family.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 14:22
Hello, Thank goodness for EW. I am at my wits end. I've gone through 5 agency maids in about 1 year. The first stole money, the third beat my cats with a broom and the last...didn't bother to work the full hours, despite taking the money! This last incident is enough for me. I paid my agency maid just over 400AED to come to 'clean' twice a week whilst I was away on holiday for 10 days. All she had to do was clean out the cat litter and refill. I didn't tell her I would be back early, and needless to say I came back to find my poor cats hadn't had their litter changed once. Very upset. I'm in desperate need of someone to help me clean the apt. I have three dependents (husband and two cats lol). I need help with cooking very simple, low carb meals (grilled chicken/steamed veg) every day. I work in AD and arrive back in Dubai at 7pm so and Hubby works long hours so maid would be unsupervised. I'm thinking that a live out maid might be best (1 bed apt).I have no issues with providing sponsorship and all that entails (flight home, travel expenses to and from accommodation etc), but I'm completely lost regarding where best to look and how much to pay Can anyone give me pointers on what to look for in a GOOD maid (I've got so many bad stories of my own lol). I want someone who, understands English, western standards of cleanliness, compassion to animals etc...or someone who is willing to learn? Any suggestions of where to look? I'm not that keen to hire from a home country when I haven't met the person face to face. I'm hoping for a very long term arrangement. Could any ladies out there give me any pointers? What suits western families best? Filipino, Srilankan, Nepalese? Is it ok to advertise on Dubizzle as I will be providing a visa? Any advice greatly appreciated
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 11:05
Thanks Meagle, I'm just wondering what sort of salary you pay a live out for 6 days a week work if you sponsor them? Also, any recommendations for a maid agency that does cooking AND cleaning? I can only find agencies that do cleaning. Thank you so much
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:57
Thanks ladies- so grateful for your suggestions and advice. I'm happy to spend the time teaching how and what to cook, We also have no problem eating cuisine a couple of meals a week from from their home country to make things easier. We arent picky eaters- but like meals to be as healthy as possible so I was expecting to invest quite a bit of time initially setting meal plans and cleaning rotas etc. Is it possible to sponsor a live out maid? I'm looking for a hassle free solution but will consider all options!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:11
Hi Ladies, First let me apologise for asking the question that is raised on this forum so many times! Where can I get a live out maid? I've gone through the most recent threads and done an internet search but am still lost. I'm looking for someone who can come in, clean, prepare lunch and evening meals 6 days a week. We are a childless couple in a one bedroom duplex so live in is not an option. Any recommendations? Do agencies have maids who clean and cook? How much should I expect to be charged? Sending many positive vibes to all those who take the time out to reply ! Thank you so much!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 09:49
Hi ladies. I'm looking for someone to split costs and share a ride with from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. I'm waiting to get a car so happy to take turns driving in the future. I've registered for the Sharenki service but seeing also if I can find someone through here. I'm flexible with work timings - I start mid December Ta!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2013 - 09:10
Sure- I got it from Pams online. Everything else on the box looked ok apart from that. It does work well, I guess the issue is how long it may last? Good luck with it anyway!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 19:53
Hi!! So the desert maker arrived today. DH and I had been really looking forward to it coming so pre-froze some bananas and pineapple. I washed and assembled the unit then went to meet a girlfriend for lunch. Came back to a pile of brown sludge on the work cabinet and unwashed bowls!! LOL!! DH was not impressed with the machine but undeterred I had a go. It came out perfect!! It seems to be critical to let the fruit defrost and soften up a bit before putting it into the machine. I would also say quite a bit of the 'ice cream' gets stuck in the unit so worth scraping that out. Now the unit itself.....interesting.....The box and its contents looked all present and correct and well packaged. Its a bit clunky and cheap looking but seems to be legitimate? Really hard to tell. I did notice when I was putting away the packaging that the Yonanas signage on the box read Yonauas in one place. No idea if that mistake is why the item is so cheap or because its a copy? Time will tell I guess!! Overall I paid 121AED (including delivery) and we have resolved to track down the deluxe version of the machine if we continue to use it. Hope thats helpful- good luck with whatever machine you choose!! <em>edited by Desertbeauty on 13/11/2013</em>
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 17:41
I tried this for the first time at a stand at the Dubai Womens Run last week- yummy! I've placed an order through souq and apparently it is arriving tomorrow. It was a lot cheaper (almost 170 AED cheaper) to order through there than on the shopping channel website- but I'm yet to be convinced that all will be present and correct!! Will let you know how it goes if you like?
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 17:08
Butcher shop and grill Hummingbird bakery Cafe Di Roma Subway Pappa Roti (not sure if open) Burger place (shake shack?) Just Falafel There is also a very sweet kids activity centre which is open
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2013 - 18:24
Just wanted to say thank you so much for the recommendations! I picked up the Phillips 1781 model from the Coop in Jumeirah for 699. It's advertised in Carrefour for 899 so a bargain! Just made my first juice and it was yummy!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 11:40
Thanks ladies for taking the time out to reply. You certainly have given me lots to think about. Its reassuring to get feedback regarding salary- I had a hunch it was on the low side but its always hard to know. The position itself is quite strategic and specialised so I know that the opportunity is not likely to come up again if I turn it down. Although the pay is not great I know I will get a lot of exposure and work on some interesting projects.... Its a one year renewable contract so I'm leaning towards giving it a shot for one year only. I do want to save right now but I'm wondering if perhaps I put that off and make that the priority of my next job move a little later. I'm 33. Having worked in the nhs/public sector up until now I've surprised myself at how focused I've become on squirreling money away! Thanks for giving me some space to think out loud!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 13:40
Thanks Ladies for such quick responses. After no word for almost 4 months suddenly things appear to be moving quite quickly. I don't have any children but would like to save so I'm very reluctant to accept the offer as is. I did ask for something in the region of 35-40 which was rejected- I'm unsure at this stage whether that is their final position or there is more wriggle room. Without giving away too much (small world!) Its a corporate position as opposed to provider based. The position itself is very interesting- but I know from previous experience that alone would not be enough to keep me happy long term. My question to those of you in the know would be whether it would be possible to move to a higher paying position in the future. Or would accepting such a low salary damage my log term job prospects? Ideally I would like to be based in Dubai so would work towards that long term.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 18:26
Thanks very much ladies, can always rely on you for top tips! Hi- We lived in Notting Hill before moving to Dubai and always used Z cars London for our airport transfers. It was 25GBP to the airport (W10 to heathrow....super cheap!). Not sure how much they charge for a pick up but you can book online. Not sure if the prices have gone up but pretty sure you will be given a good deal
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 13:15
Ha! Ladies I am not 40 or 39 but 33. I felt the same way though!! I came here about 1 year ago with hubby - I went to a couple of the coffee mornings but decided to just set up my own meetup in the end!! You can do the same thing. If you google meet up dubai, register, then you can create your own group. I think it costs 4 pounds a month to host.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 07:58
Hi there, Can any of your recommend a good and most importantly safe and reliable place to get Botox in Dubai? I called a place (came recommended before on an old thread) and was concerned about their responses to my questions. I asked the basics: how much per unit and that it be actual Botox (not Dysport). I also wanted access to the Lot # on the box for my records (I am a bit paranoid with safety). I get a total of about 35 units for my forehead and frown lines. Total cost about $350usd at $10 per unit. This woman on the phone in Dubai was claiming that they "don't sell per unit" only per injection but each injection has about 16 units in it for 150aed (?) and that it would be about 1200aed total. The conversion to USD is about right for what I pay but she worried me with quoting a price without seeing me or my forehead. (I had not told her how much I would require). I feel a good doctor only uses what you NEED and this person made me uncomfortable. Can anyone recommend a place that charges per unit and has reputable products? Much appreciated! On a second note, I am looking for taking Zumba classes. I almost joined a local gym but their annual fee 3499aed (YIKES) just seemed like too much and had to be paid upfront or otherwise it is 399aed per month. I know it might not seem like much in a big city but is triple what I am used to paying and we might be transferred in the near future. I figured maybe I could just take some Zumba classes instead? Don't really need a gym as I do a lot of walking. Can anyone offer a good place and package prices for classes? :) edited by Coriander on 06/09/2013 Hi Coriander, Yes- in the US Botox is sold by units but here its by injection/problem site, just like the UK. I can recommend Dr Razai from Elite Cosmetic Surgery Group in Healthcare City. I didn't trust anyone when I first got here either so was travelling back to the UK for mine (which you can imagine was super expensive)! Dr Razai was recommended by a plastic surgery friend of mine in the UK. He is a very well known UK plastic surgeon who recently opened up a clinic here. He works between London and Dubai. Although his specialism is breast surgery, he really has a flair for Botox. He actually told me I didn't need anything done- so no hard sell which is also great. I've been going to him for the past year and he does a better job then anyone else I have ever had! If you are after a very natural look, with some preserved facial expression (i.e. eyebrows that move) then he is the go to man. He is a little more expensive than some of the others but regularly offers 20-30% discount promotions Hope that's helpful!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 07:47
Thanks ladies! :) We have decided to go to Langkawi. Much more to do on the island than Koh Samui. We will be staying few days in KL too so changing airports isn't an issue. Hi! Just thought that I would mention that we stayed in Ambong Ambong rainforest retreat in Langkawi. We don't have kids, but the room was great because it was large and had a kitchen and patio area.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 13:58
My DH constantly gets caught up working long hours at work with difficult colleagues and clients. Its a real challenge to get him motivated to go to the gym at the best of times (it just upstairs in our block LOL). When he is stressed exercising goes out of the window......and its a downward spiral from there...ipad plus tv plus junk food is the go to stress reliever! Obviously that has a limited short term effect on his well being. I find that actually going back to basics works best.........openness and motivation to do all other things seem to follow once the stress levels come down a bit. I'm not talking about a club or something that you have to travel to or pay for but good old fashioned one on one attention! Massage, Foot rub, aherm and fill in the gaps....use your imagination! Works a treat! <em>edited by Desertbeauty on 29/08/2013</em>
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 13:48
Thanks ladies you are all amazing! You have given me some great suggestions and I am going to use these as a basis to do some more research. Seriously, I was sat in front of my computer feeling a little overwhelmed as I didn't really know where to start! Now I'm super excited about my holiday again. Have a great day and Thanks a million!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 07:54
Thanks ladies for the suggestions. Much appreciated. We combined Malaysia with Singapore last year (Georgetown, Langkawi and KL) but looking at your itinerary assisi it seems that Malaysia has a lot more to offer than we realised! Jojojo- your trip sounds heavenly. You have planted the seed and I have been researching Jogyakarta all this morning! It sounds perfect. What was the accommodation there like and what did you see? I'm really up for squeezing in a train journey if its worth it?We tried to do the sleeper train through malaysia but they were fully booked when we went. Flying is so cheap and quick but what are your thoughts? Sorry a million and one questions. I know you are probably really busy but any gems you can share would be very much appreciated!!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 20:01
Hi Ladies I have two questions that I hope you can help me with :-) DH and myself are planning a xmas trip to Bali and Singapore. We have been to Singapore before and loved it- but is there another country worth seeing instead in combination with Bali? Secondly, any must sees for Bali? Hotels, restaurants, attractions? We are the nature loving, motorbike riding sort so like to get out and about and explore things as opposed to go clubbing or sit on the beach. We don't have children so a family friendly venue is not a priority for us. We are also too tight for all out unabashed luxury !!! Any suggestions you may have would be very much appreciated! Thanks a million x
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 11:39
I agree with the other ladies. I have stayed in the Meridien in Fujeriah for two weeks and it was wonderful. I was planning on booking us in for a weekend break over Ramadan but noticed that they are undertaking refurbishment works? No idea if this is still going on but may be worth checking before you book :-) Hope you have a fab time!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 13:00
I bought some yesterday from Almaya supermarket. In the organic section (crazy jack line).
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2013 - 11:51
Hi We use Dima Laundry. I think they are based in Al Karama but I'm in Satwa and they collect and deliver for me. They are very, very good and cheap. My bed spreads are white and they always come back sparkling! Not sure about duvets though- as we don't use them (too hot!). Probably best to give them a call. The main number is 043963995 but I have my laundry guy on speed dial!! Lol 502382350. Its always the same person who collects and delivers which is nice
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 13:57
Can anyone recommend a decent PR agency in Dubai - has to be awesome in both languages. Hi Splinter, I know an agency- if you email me I can give you their details.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 16:50
I don't have children but visited the gardens by the bay (near marina bay sands hotel). It was very, very child friendly with a dedicated activity centre. Great place for adults too. We also did the hop on hop off bus tour - would definitely recommend it. We stayed in a hotel on the Orchard Rd, not far from the main shopping area. Its such a central part of the City, we decided to locate ourselves there for the duration of our stay. We stopped off at the food court at Wheelock place.The standard of food was high. We went back there a few times as it was very, very cheap!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 16:39
I went yesterday. A real mixture of retail stalls (gold jewellery to heavily discounted Ferrari merchandise and sunglasses). Very busy but in my opinion lacking any festive Ramadan atmosphere. I have to say it was a bit too crowded and not for me....left after 5 minutes. However, I think if you are a patient bargain hunter you may come up trumps!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2013 - 18:52
Thanks all! It sounds as if we have picked a good area then - it's so difficult to tell, so I really appreciate all your feedback. Hi, I've lived in Newbury- my parents are based there. 15 years ago I thought it was very quaint and a bit rural, having moved from a big City. Not so now. The high street is ok- more a place to meet for coffee then to go shopping. There are two very large supermarkets (sainsbury's in town and Tesco's just a little further out) and now they have a cinema, but not much else in between. There are two big A roads running right through the town - it gets super congested. Race days are particularly bad. It is possible to hear the traffic from quite far away. I lived centrally in a relatively 'nice bit' of the town but really suffered from noise pollution. Also, if you have children you are most likely to be called upon to lift them here there and everywhere- FOREVER!!! Lol as public transport is virtually non existent. I really think that like anything, it depends what your priorities are. Not meaning to sound down on the place but personally I would avoid Newbury and head out to one of the surrounding villages if budget allows. Hungerford is super nice, has a nice village feel about it. Cold Ash is also very nice (my favourite) as it feels like the country proper out there, just by turning off the main road! If you like running, walking or cycling- heading out that way is recommended whether you choose to move there or not. deer roam freely....beautiful. Same goes for Bucklebury. Woolton Hill and surrounding areas are also worth a look. A bit of a wild card would be Chieveley. I've seen some beautiful, secluded properties there. Hope thats helpful!!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 18:00
Hi Yes the 10 day grace period still applies. My friend was 6 days over and left last week no problem :-)
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 15:16
Probably sounds a bit obvious but I wouldn't be shy in approaching others who live in the neighborhood or tower block/apartment floor for their opinion about the pros and cons of living in that place. I'm usually quite reserved and have learnt to cast all my reservations aside. I go early for a viewing, approach people in reception or those leaving the block and garner their opinions. Giving over a years rent up front is a big commitment and being as informed as possible saves heartache later on. Some things like bad smells, pests, bad management, inconsiderate neighbours are not that apparent. Here is a little example for you. Our tower block has had a change of management in the last couple of months and the place has really gone downhill due to a lack of maintenance. In our gym, the view is amazing and its well stocked with equipment. However substantial amounts of it are broken! I would say at least over half. Its still very busy and I cannot tell you how many 'wows' I have heard or seen when prospective tenants have been shown around. You can always spot a 'newbie' as they come up and jump on the machines and look puzzled, frantically press the buttons, tut loudly, look around and then get off! Annoying when you have paid for that. Hope thats helpful. Happy house hunting!!
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 15:04
I've had botox in the UK for 3 years and after tiring of flying to the UK for botox I decided to make the transition to a Dr here. Taking advice from ladies on this forum I went with Dr Allen.Very professional and extremely happy with the results. Previously I have had to make return trips to get the lines on my forehead frozen. Most times I had slightly arched eyebrows which I didn't like. Not so with him. I was left with a completely frozen forehead but still able to move my eyebrows. A very natural result.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 09:58
Hi We have apple tv and it works fine here. We have UK accounts ad can make purchases as normal. We don't have a VPN or anything else like that. I'm not a techie person so that's about the limit to what I know! Hope the move goes smoothly for you. :-)
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 09:44
Hi We had a similar problem in our flat. Bad fusty sewage smell seemingly coming from the AC. We had the drains cleaned, the AC filters cleaned etc. Turns out that the smell was coming through a shared ventilation shaft in our building (accessible through the roof in the kitchen). Apparently some flats remain empty, others are poorly maintained so its impossible to treat the root cause of the smell (in Dubai anyway!). Although strictly speaking it goes against health and safety regulations we had this shaft blocked off. 8 months later, no smell most of the time. We used to wake up to an overpowering drain/sewage smell. Now, occasionally the odd whiff but nothing too offensive. I have heard others in my block still complain about the smell so I know the main problem still has not been addressed! Not ideal I guess but a solution which worker for us. Not sure if that is helpful to you? Best of luck with it all.
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 12:40
Thanks Ladies for such helpful replies! I will try both of these suggestions. I've put myself on a bit of a regimen and chicken features heavily in my diet plan. Thanks again :-)