butterfly8 | ExpatWoman.com
 

butterfly8

butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 04:30
Only he will file Form 2555, so only he is subject to the PPT test.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2014 - 19:28
Did you try Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel? I know PB Kids also has cotton blankets but not sure what size.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 12:58
We lived in Beijing a while. It is very different from Dubai on so many levels. Best to go in with an open mind. Everything moves so fast in China and it was very exciting to be a part of it. We had an overall positive experience in Beijing. Loved where we lived, loved our child's preschool, made some amazing friends, and just enjoyed life there a lot. The worst part of living in Beijing was definitely the pollution, which was depressing. It was manageable though. We had air purifiers going in the home but did not wear masks outdoors. During your look-see a relocation company will probably take you around, it's worthwhile to check out things in the downtown area (high rises) or the Shunyi area (villas). We lived in a large compound downtown and it was very convenient as everything I needed was either in our compound, or nearby. Int'l supermarkets are everywhere and usually walking distance from the expat compounds. Most people do not drive themselves but have a hired driver, or take taxis. We bicycled a lot as well. Night life, street life, all very interesting. Easy to get from Beijing to other points in Asia, so we had quite a few nice vacations while living there. Weather is very cold and dry (little snow) in the winters, which can be tough for the kids as it's too cold to be outdoors much. Most of the homes are properly insulated and heated. Will be hot and humid in July/August/early September. Hope this helps! Enjoy your look-see...
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 13:09
Garden Center on SZR has them, up at the check-out counter.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2014 - 13:32
It depends on what part is broken, but take it to a lighting shop and see what they can do. There are several on either side of Umm Suqeim close to MOE. Also one on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Fairmont, next to a GNC shop if I recall. Good luck!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 15:24
Hi, we need some work in our place (Arabian Ranches) and are looking for recommendations for: - polishing or re-sealing of granite counter tops in bathrooms - replacement of chipped and broken tiles - making shelves in a cupboard Any recommendations are appreciated. I thought there was a tile place recommended but I cannot find the post now. Thank you!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 11:34
Before I knew any better, I had a bunch of items (eBay purchases mostly) sent to my husband's PO Box via USPS first class mail. None of the packages sent after mid-October have arrived. Has anyone had any luck going down to the main post office to track down missing packages? I have the U.S. customs form numbers for the packages, but not proper tracking numbers as I stupidly did not pay for that service. Hoping to hear some success stories of finding lost packages...
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 12:59
Thank you for the responses, this is exactly the advice I was hoping to get.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:33
Hi ladies, I have a couple of table lamps that require repair or re-wiring. Any recommendations on where I can take them? It should be a simple job, but just not sure where to go. TIA!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 14:22
It's very Disney. They are great about creating the magic. Lots of opportunities to see Mickey & crew, princesses etc. The parades are nice, as as the fireworks in the evening. Food, snacks, and restaurants are fine. Some are Chinese/Asian themed. The Disney hotel is only about a 10-15 min walk away which is nice if you need to get a rest in or just sit in the lounge before heading back to the park. There is one ride I would avoid, and that is the jungle river boat ride. There is one part that is really scary for little kids. What else... we found that the lines were fairly short, and even shorter if you're willing to go on the rides during meal times. If it is a slow park day they may let you re-join the same ride without having to fully exit and walk through the (empty) line again. Just ask, sometimes they'll allow it.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 13:42
Another vote for Hong Kong. The park is smaller and manageable with a 3.5 year old. The airport is on the same island as the park, so it's quick and convenient to get to. The Disney hotels are nice too.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 12:26
Sushifee is the RAK half nice? Ironically I was looking at the sign-up yesterday.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2013 - 18:43
Both Parasol and Ambar are on the same side of Umm Suqeim, in Al Quoz near MOE. Parasol had beautiful Italian wooden umbrellas; Ambar's were metal but also nice. Price was 4k+ for Ambar's largest sun parasol; Parasol's was higher. Crate and Barrel also has carries parasols with Sunbrella material but we never made it there to look. We also bought furniture from Parasol. Nice place.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2013 - 12:57
Thanks that's the exact one we ended up getting, so it's reassuring to hear it is both functional and wears well!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2013 - 10:41
Hi, DH is headed out later this morning to buy a couple of those very large sun umbrellas for our back yard. Before he goes, would love to hear any thoughts or recommendations on: Wood v. metal Tilt function -- is this useful or not? Fabric? Does it last? We're looking at ones from Parasol and Ambar, and it's a little confusing as to what's better long-term. TIA!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2013 - 01:00
mmpico, no I wasn't able to find the Misto oil sprayer. Did get something similar from Tavola but the mechanism is not the same as our old oil sprayer so have ordered a Misto from amazon to be forwarded here. Did not find a spiralizer either. Amazon will ship that directly here but got lazy and not sure I'd use it enough to justify the cost.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 21:39
That is good to know! I should have been more specific... where can I get these items in Dubai?
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 09:37
Yes I briefly looked into this a couple of months ago, and at Sharaf DG they carry a Maytag and also maybe Whirlpool or Westinghouse dryer that vents to the outside.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 07:47
If I recall, Clarks in Dubai mall carries some wide shoes for children.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 11:45
I have the Mia 2. I like it, it does a nice job of getting the face clean. My skin feels fresher after it. Probably nothing that a good wash cloth wouldn't do, but it's nice that the clarisonic is so quick and waterproof so you can leave it in the shower if you wish. The Mia 2 has two settings. In hindsight I would have saved the money and just bought the regular Mia with one setting, as I don't really use the two settings. Hope this helps!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 11:52
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?
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 12:28
Need some quick help please, we need to find wall switch plate covers? Does Ace Hardware carry a good selection? Or are there other home decorating or fix-it stores that carry them?
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 July 2013 - 23:06
Thanks to everyone especially JCM for the detailed information This helps tremendously and I think I will sign up.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 15:42
Wondering if anyone has installed a reverse osmosis filtration system in their home? I googled briefly and there seem to be a couple of companies that do this, but not sure if anyone's actually had firsthand experience yet.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 12:01
Shanghai air quality index tracked here: http://aqicn.org/city/shanghai/ Oh another thing you'll want before you move to China is to install a decent VPN.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:57
Hi just jumping in this thread; you can look up sample properties on realtor sites like Joanna Real Estate (for more conventional apartments in compounds) and Ark Shanghai (for lane houses and more unique properties). Another site to look at for Shanghai info besides shanghaimamas.org is shanghaiexpat.com. For dogs I recall they must be registered. If you google importing a dog to Shanghai, several threads come up. My personal recommendation is to look for a home with adequately sealed windows and heating. Insulation is not required in buildings in Shanghai and builders skipped it 99% of the time. It does get cold and drafty in the winter. Best of luck!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:46
Yes good question re: the router, we intend to use an Apple Time Machine, any issues with the TM and du?
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 20:25
Thanks for the info, really helpful. With Etisalat prepaid now but would switch to du if the coverage is spotty in AR! I do need a reliable and fairly quick internet connection but wasn't sure if it was noticeable between a lower speed v. higher. Now to do everything else, like buy appliances and furniture...!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 20:20
I couldn't FT away from the wifi either. Currently with Etisalat prepaid. Might be user error though!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2013 - 06:58
We have just bought a place in Arabian Ranches and I am figuring out the things we need to do when we move in (we are newly arrived to Dubai). The previous owner told us du was the way to go for internet. Wondering if it's worth paying more for faster download / upload speeds? 8 / 16 / 24 / 100 Mbps etc. Any other dos / don'ts for AR setup... thanks!
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 17:19
We have a lot of ties to Jacksonville and indeed I got married there. Never been to West Palm Beach so can't tell you what that's like. Jacksonville's pretty nice, laid back but still enough of a vibe to not be boring. It is pretty spread out and there are beach areas, intracoastal areas (stunning), and inland areas. There are some lovely neighborhoods downtown (San Marco, Avondale) where you can live walking distance to shops and restaurants, nice for socializing. There are tons of suburbs and they can be quite different from each other in geography, demographics, etc. If you love outdoor exercise it's a nice place to go running, biking, and definitely a lot of golfing down there. Tons of wildlife. People are friendly. Very accessible airport and good highway system. On the downside it is hot and humid in the summer, and does get hit by hurricanes now and then. It can sometimes have a small-town / provincial feel, and is a fairly religious part of the U.S. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 10:13
Hi, China is pretty big, which city are you going to?
butterfly8
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 08:45
Hi, thank you! That's encouraging to hear. Our current ayi will probably not move with us, so we are thinking of recruiting an ayi to bring with us. Any advice? For instance, should the ayi be able to speak some English, in order navigate daily life and emergency situations? Thanks so much for your offer to help us with research, that would be terrific if you're able to pass on anything you might find. Ideally we can look for a Chinese speaking live-in helper, or at least a child minder who speaks putonghua and can read/write simplified Chinese. Oh also, we currently live in Beijing... should we be buying carpets and furniture and stuff or wait until we get there? I'm thinking wait? Take care!
 
 
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