fruitcake | ExpatWoman.com
 

fruitcake

fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 11:39
Go on then :) I have to warn you I've never got 2 questions right in a row.... but I'm up for a challenge today haha Glad it worked!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 11:14
Not sure which samsung I had but I'd accidentally pressed the volume button whilst texting and that made the text HUGE. So maybe adjusting the volume whilst texting is worth a try!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 00:15
Another one here lonely during the week......with kids in the UK at uni :) My friends all seem to have left recently too! <em>edited by fruitcake on 29/04/2014</em>
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 16:35
I was in the Lofts for 2 years until about a year ago and never came across rats like DB did, my contract would have lasted about a day if I had haha! So maybe it was just a 'new building' thing. I liked it there but not having a shop close by (or a car at the time) was a real problem. It's hard when you've not been here in the heat to realise that because the shop that's about 200m down the road is just a stroll... but in 40-50 degree heat it's an impossibility! I'm in Southridge now which I love because I can avoid busy traffic and have a shop, gym etc, dry cleaners, ATM and beauty salon ... what more could a girl want!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 11:10
Just to add to purple33's comment which is spot on about the nightmare traffic especially on a weekend..... once you get to know the back roads you can usually avoid the main Boulevard road and the traffic if you're in Southridge or Burj Views - or the new Burj Al Nujoom building next to Burj Views (not chiller free and no white goods, cooker etc)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 10:41
Boulevard Central is another :) The closest to metro access would be the Lofts I think. I was there until a year ago and it was a bit too far in the summer but now that the entrance to the link between the metro and mall is open you can cut through that so it's not quite as far, 3 or 4 minutes walk but still maybe too far in the summer! Taxi's at the Lofts were hit and miss, you could usually flag one down on the main road quickly but a few times I did have to wait in the sun for about 10 mins. No shop at the Lofts and not one in walking distance (in the summer). Southridge and Burj Views have taxi ranks outside, both have a shop underneath and both are chiller free (so is the Lofts) We looked at Standpoint but there is a huge amount of work being done around over the next year or two with the Opera House and more apartment blocks being built in front - which will block the wonderful view that they have at the minute! Not sure about chiller fees for the others you mention but all seem to be easy to get a taxi outside (but no sure how long the queues are). All (other than the lofts) have easy access to a shop Hope you find somewhere perfect for you!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2014 - 23:57
Can't help very much but my daughter started the treatment in the UK in January and is really impressed with it. I was doubtful that it would work to be honest, but it's already made a huge difference :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2014 - 21:04
Agree with giggles, For me..... 150 AED + 50 AED border fee = a new visa and meeting a brand new coffee friend Bargain :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:21
Or a Hatta run I believe is still possible if you are not into your grace period. Just want to add that I was in my grace period when I did the Hatta run so maybe it's changed. I was on day 39 (3 months ago)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:19
Thanks Fruitcake. The 3.5 hours, was that there and back or just one way? It was there and back :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:00
Are boarder runs at Hatta still possible? Anyone know how long it takes to do the round trip from New Dubai and the cost of the border crossing? Thanks! I went from Dubai Marina (with Go Tours) and it took about 3 and a half hours. I think it was 50 AED to cross the border. The lady sat next to me didn't have to pay anything and said it was because she was Canadian
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 09:42
Thanks vixen, I've just called them and will take it in and have the 1 hour repair service, I prefer the dealer too :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 17:46
I am so heavy handed. Be careful not to drop it as they aren't durable like the I Phone and BB After having my new Samsung for 5 days.... I've found out that you are right :( I absolutely love it though
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 17:43
Can I just ask if you found anyone? Or if anyone knows of anyone? :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 10:22
Thanks Sarahlou, I'll have a look at them, any tips on how NOT to break it once I get it haha!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 09:35
in addition to immigration arrival counters at Terminal 3, which passengers use to register and enter.” This must be what I did. I had no idea that you had to register at the time, I thought it was just like at Heathrow where you go through. I tried my passport and it didn't work and then the man who was manning the smart gate called me over and scanned my passport, told me to look at the eye recognition system and then said I was registered and could go back through and use it. The whole thing took less than 2 mins.
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 12:38
My then four year old once fed his poo to his two year old brother (he told him it was chocolate) and there were no ill effects :D Funny! :D
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 12:36
I agree kids eat dirt, get mucky etc but as a parent I don't think it's a great idea to teach your 4 year old that it's ok to pull your pants down in the middle of a play area and pee?! In a quiet corner, by a tree, fence etc then ok that's different if no other option. 4 year olds go to school (I think?!) so maybe he'll think it's ok to pull his pants down in the middle of the school playground and pee? Yes dogs/animals do pee in the grass, but dogs have s*x in public, that doesn't make it ok for humans to! We're supposed to have standards :) OP I'd have taken my child too... to another area which had dirt that I didn't know about :D
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 10:05
I just did as it says in the link, when the gate wouldn't open (as I wasn't registered) a man told me to walk around the side, took my passport, registered me then told me to go back and try it again. I didn't pay anything and it's worked every time since then. My daughter used the smart gate or the first time last month, I got through no problem but she had to do the same as above. He registered her and sent her back through. <em>edited by fruitcake on 02/03/2014</em>
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 February 2014 - 07:24
Thank you everyone. i rechecked it with the land department and they wrote back to us.. our LL wanted to increase by 20k this year - but cant unless a 90 day notice is provided. so i guess the 2 year thing is certainly out... 90 day stands true though... I'm a bit confused here, the contract for our apartment is up for renewal on 10th March. Last month (so about 60 days notice) he said he was increasing it by 40K. In line with the RERA calculator he can only increase by 7250AED which we're going to tell him. Because he didn't give us 90 days notice for an increase does that mean he can't increase it at all? Many thanks :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 07:18
This happened to me in December, I used a visa run service (Go Tours) and it wasn't a problem at all. When I got to the passport control he looked on his computer and wrote in my passport the entry date and that I'd used the e-gate, then gave me an exit stamp at the same time :) edited by fruitcake on 09/02/2014 <em>edited by fruitcake on 09/02/2014</em>
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 21:42
My mum saw Dr Walid Othman at the Neuro Spinal Hospital. He was excellent. After being told by 3 other doctors that there was nothing else that could be done for her and she'd have to live with the pain, he diagnosed her before he even saw an MRI scan (which proved him right) and now she's able to be treated. One happy mum!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 09:52
Thanks very much mrsb I shall give him a call :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 14:47
Thanks mrsb, details would be appreciated! :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 12:42
The result really was fantastic and people assumed I had been sleeping well, and nothing else. :D I had it but it was in the UK, and totally agree with the above!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2013 - 23:13
I can't comment on who's the best as I've only been to Dr Allen, I think he's great! I've usually gone out shopping later in the day, or out for the evening. I had Botox once in my lunch hour even! I've never really bruised, just a little redness for a couple of hours which I've easily covered with a touch of makeup. I've heard some people bruise though, but assume that make up would cover that too. If you have a good surgeon the chances of bruising are less
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 05:45
I felt exactly the same as you 6 months ago giggles, 2 years of loneliness and then I went to a coffee morning.... best thing I ever did! There's one at the Mercato Centre on a Tues which starts again on the 20th Aug, that isn't far from you, why not go along? :) Happy to meet you outside if you don't want to go in on your own! Hope you have a great time visiting family and friends back home :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 00:42
Thanks to both of you :) Brilliant idea, I think she'd really like that. Not having one of my own it's not something I'd have thought of!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 17:59
We just flew Premium Economy on BA, my first ever BA flight! It was definitely worth the extra money for the extra legroom. Hubby is 6ft 2" and said it's the most comfortable he's ever been in economy
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 17:55
I also get the Facebook updates and I'm also tempted to book to see Susan soon for a makeover/hair session!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2013 - 15:44
Not that I have noticed - even the Caribou Coffee is closed for take aways. Check the Al Manzil and Palace Hotels. I am pretty sure the Al Manzil Boulevard Cafe is open. Other than that, there are a lot open in the DIFC I called the Al Manzil and yes the Boulevard Cafe is open from 7am - 2am
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 17:35
I expect that I'll be saying tomorrow that I'm not going to forgive Ginnee either.... if I could find some Rose Water, I've never even heard of it before! Can anyone tell me where I can find it? I'd love to try this later today :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 02:31
i recently heard my DD playing a clapping rhyme we used to play before A sailor went to sea sea sea To see what he could see see see But all that he could see see see was the bottom of the deep blue sea sea sea so looks like these old games are making a comeback!!! We did that one too :) and this one.. Have you ever, ever, ever, in your long legged life met a long legged sailor with a long legged wife? No, I never, never, never, in my long legged life met a long legged sailor with a long legged wife
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 13:01
We've just had a last minute '3 days in New York and managed to see lots! This was what we did... Day 1. Ground Zero - definitely worth a visit, so moving too. Booking in advance recommended although we didn't and had about half hour wait (got there about 10am). There is also a 9/11 Memorial Preview Site nearby which is free and worth visiting. In the evening we took a walk to Times Square/Broadway, visited Madam Tussaud's and ate at some cheap and cheerful burger place (won't recommend it!) Day 2. Central Park - hired bikes ($10 each for 2 hours). Saw Bethesda fountain, turtle pond, green lawn, etc, listened to a band playing in the sun, boats, had a great time! There's also a zoo and an outdoor swimming pool, lots of places to stop for an ice-cream etc. Metropolitan Museum of Art by Central park, well worth visiting :) Taxi to Empire State Building where we joined another queue (should have pre-booked this one too!!) but again, well worth visiting. Top of the Rock at Rockerfellers has much shorter queues we were told :) Taxi to China Town then Little Italy and ate out once again at some cheap and cheerful place! Like Kitty-Kat said, I didn't find much else to do in either of these places Day 3. We got a taxi to Battery Park and did the Statue of Liberty Tour (reopened a few days ago). This was fab, but again I'd book in advance if we went again as we had to queue in very hot temperatures for tickets! Went to see Central Station and then walked across to Century 21 on Madisson Avenue, great shopping experience and picked up some real bargains, wish we'd had more than the hour or so we spent in there! It was about 10 blocks walk so we should have gone to the one just around the corner from Central Station and had more time there :) In the evening we saw Lion King. A MUST do!! So, all in all a fab time although we could have done with an extra day rather than just 3, we got back exhausted but so glad we managed to do a lot. 4 days should be enough time to make it a well worth visit :) Next time I'll go to Sylvia's as recommended a few times on here and I'd BOOK things in advance to save queuing! I'd also do the hop on hop off bus maybe :) Every time we got a taxi we asked it to go a different way so we managed to see most of the avenues (3rd, 4th, 5th etc) You'll have a wonderful time whatever you do anyway :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 18:54
The best flowers I sent to the uk were from www.serenataflowers.com
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 10:04
I used to call a taxi and about 10 minutes later it would be outside the door. Or I know someone who registered for this for when she needed a taxi to her villa http://dubai-taxi.com/dubai-taxi-corp/services
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 13:16
I used to occasionally give my two a small amount of cash if they did extra well compared to usual reports, just as the company I worked for gave a bonus if we'd worked that bit harder. I do agree though that we should always give 100% but sometimes a little encouragement works wonders! I guess it depends on the child, my daughter preferred a little present, my son was fascinated with money and watching it add up to a larger amount in his wallet to save for something special. Well done to your son anyway and I'd say about 100AED too if you want to give him cash :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 08:14
We went mid Aug 3 years ago, a few of the shops were closed but far more were open. None of the tourist places/cafes etc were closed and we did everything and saw everything that we wanted to do. It was great, would love to go again! We also were lucky enough to get tickets to see the Necropolis below St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. They only let 250 people in a day and it was amazing :) <em>edited by fruitcake on 18/06/2013</em>
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 17:16
I tried it, wow it looks great (will try with natural lighting next time though as I over did it a little!) Loving the before/after tutorials and the hair ones too, lovely waves, curls etc, great blog :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 15:29
Nice one, thanks, I'll try this later on my phone too :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 12:31
Thanks, I will try that!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 10:47
This is quite a good website for finding destinations http://www.weather2travel.com/destinationfinder/ Just chose the month you want to go, choose a couple of parameters eg little rain, area, hours of sunshine you want and it gives you a list of which places fit all of your criteria :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 23:32
Hi fruitcake, I think by the way it ended there will be a sequel. oh I do hope so :) JinD I think it's a wonderful thing you're doing for your friend, I hope she really enjoys her gift and that her treatment goes well :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 18:45
Gone girl!!! Fab book, I read it when it came out. The type of book that you will ration read as you don't want to finish it, even though desperate to see what happens. Everyone should read it. ^^^ this! Didn't want to get to the end of the book... but couldn't help staying up all night to finish it!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 21:02
Sorry to hear this :( Unfortunately the same happened to me last year. I found out later that it was because of the acetone used to soak it off and that it had been left on for too long. Not sure if that's the reason why yours have cracked? That was last Aug but thankfully my nails are back to how they were before (and I've had Shellac once since but made sure the same acetone mistake wasn't made!) I just rubbed lots of oil into my nails and slowly they started to get stronger. Good luck!
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:43
This might be the one you mean http://earthquaketrack.com/v/middleeast/recent
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 14:41
We dropped ours too and also had the half cooked chips after trying without the arm :) We got a replacement from Amazon for about £13 as Claire says
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 17:50
YES! I thought I was losing the plot then sat down on twitter and others talking about it! I went super dizzy and had to sit. I felt it in Downtown too, quite strong, I also thought I was losing the plot or that there was something seriously wrong with me! Hope everyone is ok.
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 22:46
I was a single parent back in the UK from when my two kids were about 2 and 4 years old. I had no support network as my family lived quite far away. The only help I had was once a month my sister would stay and I'd have a night out. I couldn't afford to pay a babysitter to go out more often. I didn't have time for myself at all as I was doing a degree too which I did when they went to bed. I don't really remember it being a struggle because I just accepted it at the time as something I had to do, I just accepted that for my kids to come first I had to give up time of my own and any luxuries in my life, I just got on with it, it was part of being a mum! BUT Had some sort of home help/nanny have been an option for me would I have taken it? ......Yes! My two are pretty much grown up now and I regret that although I spent an awful lot of 'time' with them very little of it was quality time. I was always too tired, too stressed, too busy thinking of the million and one things I had to do before bed that night..... Don't feel guilty or that you need to justify it, just appreciate it and keep on feeling blessed :)
fruitcake
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 14:26
I have a Du sim in my old UK (vodafone) Blackberry. I got an unlock code online for about 30 AED.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing