Ladybirdsarethebest | ExpatWoman.com
 

Ladybirdsarethebest

Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2016 - 18:03
30K per child for education is good but won't cover most schools. Ours is about AED 45,000 per year.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2016 - 18:01
We have a lock on all our doors and windows but they are generally quite easy to open. We have the wedge of wood in all our downstairs doors and windows. Makes us feel safer.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 09:34
It's the same with the M&S website. The way to get around it on the M&S website is to click on the 'contact us' tab and it takes you to the UK site. Maybe this will work with Mothercare. I put in a comment about this problem, saying that I wanted to order flowers for my Mum & MIL in the UK and they nearly lost out on my order. I know my order is a tiny, tiny amount so they don't really care but I did point out that there are a large number of expats with family living in the UK and would order elsewhere. I haven't had a reply.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 17:39
Dragon Mart, either GA or GB or HA or HB. There was a shop called Set Sails and they had them as did a number of others.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 17:35
Dr. Bassel Darwish at Health Call. 04 363 5343. He is great.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 14:16
Can you ask if he can go in the PE Kit? Our school has just sent an email saying children can do this if they are waiting for uniform. Our school is using threads, Their sizing is awful, The size 14 trousers are the same size as a size 10 skort.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 17:50
I've been twice and nothing was open.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 08:54
Jonathan Covich at the Aviation Club. Amazing, 04282 1004
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 09:39
H&M has good 'boy shorts' for girls. The best are from ae.nextdirect.com, my DD says they hare lovely. Waitrose brand has a non-bio wash, very cheap at AED 13 for 21 washes. Alternatively wash nuts is good if you want to avoid chemicals all together. I bought mine at the Organic Cafe and Supermarket. Lakeland also have an Eco Egg for the laundry.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 May 2015 - 11:33
Creiff Hydro is great. My grandparents lived in Bridge of Allen (very close by) and there is lots to do. You can walk up The Wallace Monument. The park in Bridge of Allen is great and has the best ice cream shop. Stirling Castle is near by. I spend many a happy summer there.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 May 2015 - 08:35
The Kids Entertainer is cheaper than the blue Entertainer and has 3 general admission tickets in it. Be careful though as they won't accept them on public holidays. If you have a Sirus card you get 25% off until the end of May.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2015 - 09:08
Marks and Spencer, Tchibo (Brands for Less) and Spinney's that I know of. My brother doesn't like the Spinney's ones but he says the Tchibo ones are pretty good. He hasn't tried the Marks and Spencer ones.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 12:24
I buy mine from Landsend.co.uk, they deliver here. I use the US site via my S&S account.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 09:41
About a year ago i was at Color Nail in Times Square and they had a children's spa party in progress. It looked like fun, the technicians were in the swing of it all as well. The number is 04 341 8848. My DD likes going there, I don't work there or have any association with it.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2015 - 09:41
The new landlord has to issue you a new eviction letter unless he has a Power of Attorney for the previous eviction letter. This is not likely if he hasn't mentioned it. The POA has to be attested by the courts and can only be for the property you are in. The eviction notice should be notarised and delivered to you by courier/registered post. Please call 800 4488 for clarification though, this is the rental dispute centre number. <em>edited by Ladybirdsarethebest on 29/03/2015</em>
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 11:43
Is the website for NEXT www.nextdirect.com? I keep meaning to save it and forget TIA http://ae.nextdirect.com/en/ When I last ordered I had a chat with the delivery guy and he was saying they are being kept very busy with Next orders. The deliveries are usually here in 3 days. edited by Ladybirdsarethebest on 23/03/2015 Thank you. Can you have it delivered to your office or is it just PO Box? :-) Office or home, they call you before hand. Not to your PO Box, it is delivered via SkyNet couriers.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 10:47
Is the website for NEXT www.nextdirect.com? I keep meaning to save it and forget TIA http://ae.nextdirect.com/en/ When I last ordered I had a chat with the delivery guy and he was saying they are being kept very busy with Next orders. The deliveries are usually here in 3 days. <em>edited by Ladybirdsarethebest on 23/03/2015</em>
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 10:29
http://www.dubaigolf.com/dubai-creek-golf-yacht-club/promotions.aspx?id=5548 Dubai Creek and Golf Club are doing an Easter Brunch by the pool. We did it last year, it was great, very relaxed. Its not an over the top buffet but the pool is great, the children were given Easter activities to do at the table and there was an Easter Egg Hunt.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 10:25
Next UK delivers free and it's much cheaper than buying it locally And much cheaper than buying in the UK! I bought a duvet cover for my DD for AED 120 (GBP 22) and it arrived with a sticker on it for GBP 30 (AED 165). Postage was free as well. It is much, much cheaper than the Next shops here, a pack of 3 shorts online are AED 63, in the shops it was nearer AED 150.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 09:22
We only have one, my decision mainly as i only ever wanted one but my health issues made it an easy decision. DH would have had 2. He is now happy with the decision of only having 1. Our DD is happy and only ever asked for a sibling when two of her friends had brothers. She soon changed her mind. She is very social, shares and is happy. She is 6. We did make a huge effort when she was smaller (and still do) to have her friends over for play dates. In the park/soft play she is encouraged to talk to other children her age and has made some good friends this way. It has been good for us as adults as well as we now have more friends.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 10:31
The one for the Organic Food and Cafe. Switch off. The one for the guy who has a new car but his friend is confused as he is usually a saver, no idea who it is for as i switch off. Any where the woman acts as the 'little woman' and has to ask her husband for anything or assumes he will pay for everything.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 10:15
I think if you do a search on here there are a few threads about it. I haven't tried it so cannot comment.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 09:13
We have been in Mirdif for 13 years so have seen it change. If you can get your villa near a bus stop then you should be okay but it might be best to think about a car. We chose a villa near a bus stop and 6 months later they suspended the service. We use Careem for our taxi service, not much more than a normal taxi but reliable. Order the basic car and you usually get upgraded for no extra cost. There is also the Arabian Centre which is close for shopping. There are lots of options for nights out, Wafi, airport hotels and Irish Village.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 12:03
All our passports, including the maids, are in a fire proof safe which is kept in a place where we could grab it should we need it. We also have all our documents (birth, marriage, savings (etc.) certificates) as well our external hard drive (with copies of documents and all our pictures) in there. We also have some $ and bits of jewellery. Our maid knows where the passport is and can ask at any time for it.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 08:53
Help please! What kind of bedding do people actually use in UAE? Are 'summer weight' continental quilts ok? I feel the cold more than hubby so in the heat we usually use blankets rather than quilts as I can have one on my side and he can just have a sheet. More than anything else about our impending move this is causing me grief (and that is saying a lot!!!!) Single duvets! My DH has a 9 or 13 tog and I have a 3 tog. The White Company duvets are fabulous, I have just bought new ones but in the sale, they had about 70% off.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2015 - 11:25
Multiple accounts with different email addresses?
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2015 - 08:59
I bought Lock and Lock ones from Spinney's.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 09:06
Spinney's occasionally have a supply (Venco brand) and Ikea usually have their salted licorice fishies. If you know of anyone going to Oman, Al Fair usually has a good selection. I am off in 3 weeks to stock up (and go to my brothers wedding).
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 March 2015 - 12:50
Please ask your friend to get her Ejari (hopefully she has the documents needed, affection plan and LL passport copy) and then head down to the rental committee. If she can go today all the better. They will not be happy with the tactics of the LL. If she has it in writing he told her not to do the Ejari please take that with you. It is technically the responsibility of the LL to do the Ejari (but tenant pays) but most expect the tenant to do it. The lease should have had the affection plan and LL passport copy attached when it was issued. Was the DEWA not in her name (assuming DEWA). If it was, then they should not have cut it off except for non payment of bill. There will be no increase if she didn't get notice 90 days or more. It would also have to be allowed on the rental calculator. Call the Rental Dispute Centre on 800 4488 DEWA is 991 to clarify what is happening.and who cancelled the account Ask the Agent for his Rera office number and his broker number. He should have both to hand. Explain you are going to the Rental Committee to ask their advice and will be quoting both numbers, If he is up to date with current rules/judgments he will be scared. Apparently they are handing out fines of AED 50,000 to both agents and RE companies for underhand tactics. There is also a black point system, they can have their broker cards removed. Please fight it, the more bad agents and LL that are reported the better.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2015 - 09:56
If your visitors have smart phones you can share the App with them. We have our 'books' on several devices. If you decide to go with the mobile version, the code 'LOVEMORE' gives you an additional AED 50 off.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 12:07
Also ask the agent for his Broker Number and his office number. DLD/RERA may ask you for this.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 12:05
I have just done my RERA course. There is a new service at the Lands Department whereby you can drop off your tenancy contract in duplicate. They can be bought from Dubai Library Distributors, you just fill in the same details as last year (only change the year). Along with the tenancy contract (signed by you/DH and witnessed) take in the cheques for the rent (same as last year as you didn't get 90 days notice of any changes). They will contact the landlord for you and he has 14/15 days to accept the terms and they will arrange for the contract to be signed for you and deliver the cheques. They will also remind him of the law. Legally the agent/LL cannot charge a fee for renewals. The only thing they can charge is AED 195 for the Ejari although this is just as easy for you to do. It might be as you agreed to AED 1,000 last year you have to pay it, I am not sure. The tenancy contract should come back with all the documents you need to register the Ejari. Don't be afraid of going down there, they are very keen for the law to be upheld. They are also very helpful.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 11:52
On the Emirates Post website it says that there are no boxes available in Dubai. These seems hard to believe. The head office is in Garhoud, may be worth popping in. http://www.epg.gov.ae/epweb/_en/index.xhtml;jsessionid=51923C56797F151278EF9F93B11F4620
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 11:59
I use Google Maps, it show the road in different colours depending on how much traffic there is.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 12:02
Debenhams have got some nice ones in their sale. Marks & Spencer's is usually good as well.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 09:45
Our DD is at Gems Royal Dubai. There are at least 4 other schools in the area so you have to plan your arrival time. She is on the bus but on the days I take her in we get there early and she has a play outside and I talk to the other parents.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 January 2015 - 09:03
Don't forget all the odd AED 10 for non uniform days, charity collections and special days. Book sales in the school as well, you don't have to spend but we usually end up buying a few books.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 10:13
I don't know what it is like or what the normal price is but this came up from Cobone. http://www.cobone.com/en/deals/food-dining-dubai/bonnington-brunch-house-beverages/34341?utm_source=relay&utm_medium=email&utm_content=bonnington-brunch-house-beverages&utm_campaign=relay-20150126-en
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 09:11
My boss likes Sacoor. They usually have deals on and there is a branch in the Outlet Mall.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 09:59
We like Spice Island at the Crowne Plaza in Deira. Food choice is good, the sushi is good according to my DH, I like the Mexican choice. Friends of ours like the seafood. It is also good for children.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 January 2015 - 12:01
Please call and make a formal complaint, you will hear back from the company really quickly (in my experience). http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_Consumer_Rights_In_Dubai_9000.aspx I had a problem with a retailer advertising something and then saying the offer was out of date they just hadn't taken down the posters and it was still up 24 hours later. Management couldn't care, called the Consumer Rights people and i had a call within an hour from the company's management offering me the discount and vouchers to spend in store. Twice (different shops, same group) offered something for sale in DSF, sale price was on the item but came up different on the till. On one the offer price (on the till) was higher than the original price. Would not budge on price, picked up the phone to call the Consumer people and instantly I was offered the ticket price. They have to display the number in the shop and I understand the fine is quite hefty for trying this trick.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 09:16
We use Globalities, it is pay and claim although if the bill is around AED 10,000 or more they will arrange direct settlement. They refund, in full, to your bank account within 2-3 weeks. http://www.globality-health.com/en/ The local office is: www.german-finance-experts.com 04 883 2727 I don't work for them but have been using them for about 6 months now and had no problems. <em>edited by Ladybirdsarethebest on 08/01/2015</em>
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 January 2015 - 09:20
Find a nursery that runs holiday camps. We used Emirates British Nursery so our DD was there term and holiday times until she went to school. We then found a maid we trust as we needed someone to be there for the school drop off. We use the bus service so we can be in work early so we finish at reasonable times. Luckily we both have understanding employers so when she was sick we took it in turns to take time off. Plan well, batch cook so you are not in the kitchen every night. I still do this as it stops so many take outs when I am tired. We now use holiday sports camps during the holidays. She goes with the friends she made at the nursery and loves them.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 11:29
Avail annoys me Same same but different Chillax i have to hold my tongue when someone asks me for my good name, I want to say, I am not using my good name today, you can have my bad one. But I don't. My DD (5) said 'totes' instead of totally a few days ago, i didn't have to say anything the look of horror on my face said it all. The one that really annoys me is 'burglarize' and its forms. I also have to refrain from saying anything when I see adverts in shopping malls saying 'spend AED 200 and win a BMW' (or similar) when what they mean is 'spend AED 200 to have the chance of winning a BMW'. i have been tempted to take my receipts to customer services to ask for the car keys to my new BMW. I don't and never will. <em>edited by Ladybirdsarethebest on 19/11/2014</em>
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2014 - 10:26
We use a company called Globalities, it is pay and claim but the money is back within 2 weeks with no deductions for bank transfers or loss of currency conversion. http://www.german-finance-experts.com/index.php?id=3&L=1 So far we have been very impressed with them. Not the cheapest but they cover a lot.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 November 2014 - 08:25
I bought one in Safestway and it seems okay, not as good as the one from the UK but certainly one of the best options available here. Spinney's sell vanilla bean paste which is what Mary Berry uses, personally I find it a bit artificial and sweet.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 16:20
i love mine, as does my maid (even when she was my agency maid). No chemicals needed, simply water. The steam does all the work. Be prepared to be shocked when you use it for the first time. The pads will be very dirty, it is basically picking up all the build up of chemicals (or so I told myself). Very easy to use, I have a few pads as i like to wash them in the machine without fabric conditioner so wait until i have enough stuff for a load. I have the Lakeland basic one.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 12:04
Did you see this? http://hotshotdeals.com/led-rechargeable-flood-light.html?crc=238
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 08:13
I used to buy them from Speedex. They had various sizes. Speedex is next to Oasis Centre on SZR.
Ladybirdsarethebest
384
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 11:45
If you are happy with a GP you can try Dr Nj at Mediclinic in Arabian Ranches. She has had lots of praise on here, she takes her time to see the patient, she isn't ruled by the queue of people outside her door. If you need the time, you get it.
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

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