rosierat | ExpatWoman.com
 

rosierat

rosierat
49
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:00
No question - bin.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 11:58
I live in the Lakes and no, there is not a "ladies only" time for the community pools. Even if there was, anyone could still see into the pool area as they are open and public areas often connected to a park and / or basketball.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 14:51
sitting in my villa and felt it.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 17:08
I swear by bananas and hydration for leg cramps.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 17:06
Highly recommend Eat & Drink for their food, price, reliability, and service.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 17:04
There are at least two roosters in the Hattan villas in the Lakes. I have seen and heard them on several occasions and I am quite grateful that I don't live closer to them. I have often wondered how the neighbours cope.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 11:51
Interesting comments about school trips. I have personally struggled with this situation as my two children are in Middle School and there is great expectation for them to participate in their Week Without Walls trips. These trips are for an entire week in grade 6, 7, and 8 (equivalent to Year 7, 8, and 9). Their entire Middle School section of their school essentially shuts down because nearly everyone (students and teachers) are gone. There is an over 95% participation rate because these trips are presented to the kids and the parents as expectations to their studies. Yes, they do study - before, during and after the trips researching history and culture as well as making reports and presentations of their journeys. Their school seems to do an outstanding job incorporating learning, service, fun, and adventure into their trips. I think I would have a much harder time sending my kids on a ski trip. After getting over the issue of the expense of the trips (approximately 8,000 each child each year for 3 years), my greatest concern is of thekids not truly recognizing and appreciating the opportunity they are being given at such a young age. We have discussed this at some length with my kids about this privilege and that this really is not normal. We try to negotiate some monentary sacrifices with them to get them to realize the financial commitment that these trips involve. Therefore they each knew we would be scaling back at Christmas because they were going on these trips. Life and education is certainly very different than when we grew up. The world is a lot smaller and these types of trips seem to have become the norm in the private schools here. I believe my kids have some appreciation of what they have been given - we received thank you's verbally and written from both of them before, during and after their trips along with small gifts purchased with their spending money. I have really struggled with this whole expensive and extravagance of these trips. However, I have had to put some of my own Dubai-negativity aside and try to appreciate this opportunity and experience for what it truly has to offer. It is amazing to hear my kids talk about their trips and hear the wealth of newly gained knowledge! I am truly in awe of the teachers who commit their time and energy 24/7 to make these trips possible. My husband (completely seriously) says you could not pay him enough money to spend a week travelling with Middle School kids!
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 17:11
Several swim teams train at the Hamdan Centre. There is also at least two lanes open to the public for lane swimming. Last time I checked / heard, you did still need a doctor's note to have access to the public lane swim. I have not heard or seen and aqua classes (aerobic style) there but I don't know for certain. I am usually there about three times a week but always on the same days and times. There was children's swimming lessons being offered by one company at the pool in the fall but I am not sure if it has continued. Ultimately it is a competitive swimming / diving facility and therefore the pools are keep a little cooler than what is comfortable for smaller children. It is my understanding that kids do not have the opportunity to swim or train at the Hamdan without their team or club.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 17:04
As a long time resident of the Lakes, I am biased. I think it is really lovely, quaint community with significantly more green spaces and facilities than some other comparable communities - namely a grocery store, a licensed restaurant, a gym, 2 nurseries, no less than 8 pools, 4 tennis courts, 4 basket courts, and a football field to name some. It is a quiet yet buzzing community with people walking their dogs, jogging, kids playing, and riding their bikes all the time. It is walking or cycling distance to DIA and also close driving distance to DBS, Regent, Emirates International (Meadows), ASD and DAA. Beyond this, there is the location and access (2 entrances) - quick access to Sheihk Zayed and Al Khail, less than 10 minutes to Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, or Marina Mall. On the other hand, I don't think the Lakes offers the best value for square footage - you can find plenty of larger, newer homes elsewhere. Personally, I would love a bigger house but I am planted in the Lakes for the community and its location.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 09:38
Last year there was a Pink Tea Party. Does anyone know if that is happening again?
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 21:34
nannymcphee: they are listed in "Shop Deal Win" http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_shopping_deals_Shopping.aspx
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 16:36
Thanks hotpot for making that email correction. Yes, I noticed that the email is actually: [email protected] or check out their website for a list of a few consultants including Maria who is mentioned below. www.purely-pearls.com
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 13:11
Check this out: [url=www.ziivaa.com'>link[/url'> It is available here - in Dubai and can be delivered to your home within 48 hours. Changed my world! <em>edited by rosierat on 08/06/2012</em>
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 10:15
She is a Greek girl at the salon (Pastels) at the Ritz Carlton (along JBR).
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 10:06
OMG - Captain America !! I would die if my old hairdresser took over from the new one. Seriously. I would never return to the salon again. How could he not get it? <em>edited by rosierat on 20/05/2012</em>
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 10:02
Harper.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 09:24
thanks for your suggestion but sadly, he isn't fully booked at all. it would be rare to call and be unable to get an appointment the next day. I could use that line but it would be pretty obvious that it wasn't the truth.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 20:53
I am totally biased because I am a long-time customer but I personally would recommend Purely Pearls. They advertise on here and often attend the bigger breakfast events such as the Breakfast at the Burj. Check out: www.purely-pearls.com I thought pearls were expensive? How come the pearls on Purely-pearls website are quite inexpensive? Maybe they're not so pure ;) pmd: While I realize that comment... "Maybe they're not so pure" was likely made kiddingly, I think this company is actually very committed to selling GENUINE CULTURED PEARLS. In actuality, they sell their product on to shops and consultants around the world and if you buy it from them direct, you get a great price. They have been making a new design of a breast cancer bracelet for years in the UAE and donate thousands of dirhams to cancer charities here. Unless you are making reference to some sort of grievance (and it doesn't sound like you are), then I think it is unfair to make the implication of "not so pure". Funny how people quesion the authenticity of something because it is not as expensive as they think it should be. This is part of the world was the center of the pearling community a hundred years ago but now it is essentially a diamond and gold place. The pricing of pearls in the brand name shops and the gold souks is absolutey ridiculous - just ask anyone who has ever travelled to China (the pearl capital of the world).
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 18:19
Purely Pearls is fairly inexpensive here but globally, I think their prices are relatively competitive. Check out this company out of the States: Www.pearl paradise.com
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 18:16
If you want South Sea pearls or Mikimoto's pearls, you will pay dearly. Freshwater pearls are genuine cultured pearls but are cultured more abundantly and I think that is why they are generally speaking less expensive. http://www.purely-pearls.com/about-pearls.html
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 17:21
I am totally biased because I am a long-time customer but I personally would recommend Purely Pearls. They advertise on here and often attend the bigger breakfast events such as the Breakfast at the Burj. Check out: www.purely-pearls.com
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 22:03
A second concert has been announced. Hopefully this will allow the so many disapointed fans (in this thread and many others) the opportunity to get tickets.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 22:02
For everyone who missed out on tickets to the Madonna concert, I have jus received an email that there is a second concert date. Pre-sales for this concert are available on March 1st (or maybe it is until March 1st). Regular ticket sales for this second concert go on sale on March 5th.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:53
I had a similar situation with Etihad last summer. It was cheaper to fly with Eithad from Abu Dhabi to Houston with a stopover in Chicago than it was to just fly to Chicago. I thought I was being clever and booked to Houston knowing I would get off in Chicago. Of course, their computer system knows exactly what I have done and in the end they charged my credit card with the difference (the supposed savings). I suspect this situation will be the same and you will be charged in the end.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 22:11
It's been an ongoing discussion at our house as I have two daughters (one year apart). Ironically, it was the younger one who was getting more information at school and came home with the questions. She was only about 8 years old (which at the time I felt was young) and I only provided enough detail to basically answer her questions. It is amazing sometimes how little you can say and it satisfy them for awhile. When I gave more information, it became a little overwhelming. Anyway, now the school has provided some information and I have also given them a couple of books that helps explains things too. They will often come to me out of the blue with another question or two. Like I said, it is an ongoing conversation. They know so much more and we have talked so much more than I had with my mom.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 22:03
We have travelled a fair bit and I feel that China is a bit challenging. Yes, we have been and no, it is not that expensive. However, I feel that China is not an easy place and while we prefer to take on adventure and travel on our own - this was not the case in China. I was truly grateful to have a driver / translator / tour guide throughout our journey. The food can be challenging and even asking whether a washroom is is not straightforward depending on where you are. As mentioned by Helping Hand - go with a tour.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 21:59
Unfortunately, I have heard of a few options in obtaining a business license whether it be through RAK, Virtuzone, Links, or through a local who is helping various small businesses but I have never found a very affordable legal alternative. Yes, it is expensive and is not hardly worth it for most small business. Sadly though, it seems like they are "tightening" up and making it more difficult to conduct business without one. I, too, am always curious which of the various small business actually have licenses.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 21:56
For anyone who has done renovations, which type of floor tile did you choose and were you happy? I understand the basic choices are: - Chinese (35 dh/m) - local / RAK Ceramics (85dh/m) - Italian (120dh/m) Pricing based on 60cm x 60cm floor tile. I guess I am really asking if you got floor tiles in Dragonmart or the Chinese floor tiles elsewhere - were you happy with the overall quality of the tiles you ended up with? Any clouding or discolouration?
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 20:46
Completely agree with bed linen! I also bring "Bounce" dryer sheets.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 20:45
starsouthern, it sounds like we have both switched to the same school, It took us about 18 months to finally exhaust all efforts to make the old school work for us. We changes curriculum and from profit to non-profit. We wanted more communication and support from the teachers and the school. It is hard to help your child when you only hear about the problems that have been brewing for months in March. We were also looking for more assessments and better extra-curricular activities (eg. music, theatre, sports, etc.). My children were perfectly happy in the old school and actually had some hesitation and reluctance about changing schools. Now that we have made the change and they have mostly settled in, they couldn't be happier. The new school has given us everything we were looking for and much more.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 20:35
My daughters love anything by Jacqueline Wilson.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 20:33
I have used Tip Top Painters for several interior and exterior residential jobs over the past 5 years. I have always been pleased with their professionism, punctuality, efficiency, cleanliness, quality of work, and value for money. Seriously - they are great painters. We renovated our kitchen and used different painters (from the renovation company). Unfortunately, the results were disappointing and the work was messy. Months later, I am literally hiring Tip Top Painters to fix the paint mess left by the previous company.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 09:41
There is no Kumon in the UAE. Long story - heard it was coming to Knowledge Village a few years ago but it did not turn out. There are quite a few kids (including mine) who do Kumon through correspondence via Bahrain. It isn't ideal but it works. If you are interested call Fiona at +973-3-987-2725. She is lovely, extremely supportive and very efficient. Funny enough my brother did Kumon for years in Edmonton (Riverbend) and my kids did it one summer there as well. Small world.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:32
Good luck with your decision!
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 10:26
You can probably sell Pampered Chef. Not sure if the company wants you to sell it here but if you have a US mailing address or know someone who does and will let you use theirs, then it wouldn't be as difficult and certainly very possible.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 10:12
Tilly & Pinch is a fantastic option. Yes, they are still going strong and can be found both online and on Facebook. Purely Pearls is a well-established company in the Middle East that has just re-organized and now offer an opportunity to sell their range of product. They have cool jewelry all with pearls - very modern designs. They can be found on Facebook as it appears they are doing some work on their website.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:41
That's too bad! I love Dr. Phillips. Now where to go?
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:37
There are a variet of events, activities, and fundraisers going on for Breast Cancer Month in the UAE. The Pink Walkathon is one of the largest events and it is taking place on Friday, October 29th at the BurJuman Centre. BurJuman Safe & Sound Campaign are also organizing a Pink Book Sale, A Survivor's Fashion Show, and a Free Mommogram Camp. I know a variety of schools host a "Pink Day" which often involves everything from a bake sale to guest speakers. There is a "Sew-A-Thon" that I have heard craftland is organizing. Of course, Expatwoman's Breakfast at the Burj raises awareness for breast cancer and I heard that there are hosting another event at the end of October that will raise funds for breast cancer. SolidariTea is hosting a breast cancer event - I think you can find the details on Facebook. Purely Pearls creates a limited edition breast cancer bracelet and donates some of themoney from this bracelet to breast cancer charities. Breast Cancer Arabia is also hosting a couple of events including a golf tournament (double-check that) - again, I think the details are on Facebook. I also this there is some sort of "Pink Ball" in early October in Abu Dhabi. Not sure who organizes it. Hope that helps.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 21:39
Hi there, We are in the Lakes and looking for a full-time live-in helper but only temporarily (approximately 4-6 months). Not sure if this arrangement is even possible but we are hoping to find someone. Let us know.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 14:47
The amazing swimming facility on the Bypass Road is called Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex (catchy name!?). Anyway, I have heard through one of my daughter's swim coaches that it will be opening to the public but I don't know when (or even if this can be confirmed). The facility has 2 Olympic swimming pools (one is 8 lanes wide and the other is 10 lanes wide) as well as a dive pool. I am not sure how great it would be for little ones though as I don't believe there is a "shallow end". It is very much a competitive swimming facility.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 21:31
They are visiting Canada in June. Publically it is a 9 day visit but they are actually staying a bit longer for some private time.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 17:29
Does anyone, by chance, have one ticket we could purchase for tonight's Sound of Music? call or text: 050-558-3059
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 11:56
Quite a few school markets have just finished up - JESS, JAPS, JPS, and ASD. I think that might be it for spring fairs before it starts to heat up. Maybe someone else has ideas of any other upcoming school markets. <em>edited by rosierat on 20/03/2011</em>
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 08:35
We are considering a change from IB to American but trying to research the differences in teaching methods before making this change. I guess we are hoping to have realistic expectations before uprooting our kids from a school they love to something new and unknown.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 08:17
90 views and no replies. I have searched quite a lot on American schools vs. IB schools but there are few comments regarding specifically middle school. Does anyone have any insight or experiences?
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 19:50
I am assuming math is math and numbers are numbers, so what is the different as to how math would be taught in an IB school YR 7 versus an American school Grade 6? Referring specifically to middle school only. Any wisdom or insight would be most appreciated.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 23:15
They are not available online but they are definately in stock because got 5 this week. What part of Dubai are you in? I believe the owner of Purely Pearls lives in the Lakes.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 18:54
Contact Bev with Purely Pearls and she can get them for you. Google their website or find them on the "Jewellery Page" on the left hand side bar.
rosierat
49
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 08:45
DIA starts at 7:30 am and there are various timings for the afternoons. My kids are done at 2:30 pm or 3:30 pm (if they have an afterschool activity) but I think younger children are done around 1:30 pm.
 
 
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