4sidekicks | ExpatWoman.com
 

4sidekicks

194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 11:00
I bought a Kenwood Multi Pro (model FP 691) from Carrefore in the summer. It was around 400/500 and is fantastic!! Google it to read reviews. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 15:39
I would. How much are you asking for them?
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 10:00
I have a son with ADHD, but we treat it with Natural Calm (magnesium) and/or Natural Calm for kids, lots of EFA's, and in the past, at your son's age, with strategies with the school counselor, that involved positive rewards for his managing a few behaviors that he has since grown out of. We grapple with whether or not to dose our son, but more because kids with ADHD tend to have self esteem issues throughout life, as they are getting told off all of the time for their bad behavior. I am guilty, as well, of forgetting that he can't always control himself, and am constantly reminding myself to be sensitive to that. We have a pretty good handle on it, and most of the behaviors are controlled by now, with our regimen above, and with positive reinforcement, maturity (8 not 4 or 6), a diet high in protein, low in sugar & dairy. He really has grown out of most of it, and touch wood, we've not had any problems in school here. Your post is reminding me that I need to try neurofeedback, as I've heard it's great. I would NOT put up with my kid being treated like an alien, ADHD or not. You are your son's advocate, and teachers should be positively reinforcing him when he's good, and meeting with you to set up a best strategy to deal with him if he's not able to control himself. If it's the last ten minutes, perhaps he can have a little note in his pocket of things he can do if he feels like he has an impulse to get out of his seat, get in others' space, etc etc. Our son would take deep breaths, sit on his hands, count to ten, whatever. He also got a ton of praise from his teacher when he was controlling his impulses. He also had a reward chart that we used at home, that worked wonders for him. I have about a half dozen books on the topic, and would be happy to loan you one, if you promise to return it! It is hard to remember that our kids can't help it, isn't it? But he is 6, and they are the professionals here. If they aren't able to positively work with you, I'd seriously rethink the school situation. Re telling them, that's a tough one, as you don't want him to be labelled, not just in the Dubai school system, but within his class setting. I think, honestly, you should go with your instinct on this one. I think you will know best, if you trust your gut. If you are working with a school that you feel values compassion and nurturing, then yes, tell them. But it sounds like it might not be the case here. Not to veer off the OP's question, but I would love to know where you have found natural calm in Dubai? If not, where do you order it from? TIA
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 10:55
You can send me an email on my user name at gmail and I can give you some names. HTH.
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 10:29
Hi, My sons school has asked me to have him tested for dyslexia. They have referred me to Dubai Community Helath Centre and I am waiting for an appointment with the occupational therapist. My questions are would you recommend DCHC for the testing and is an occupational therapist best suited to diagnose dyslexia or should I be looking for a different qualification? Over a number of years various teachers have insisted on speech assessments and now testing for dyslexia. My son is doing well at school and is a bright boy but does have difficulty with spelling, swapping letters and turning them around, and translating sounds to writing and there have been some major behavioral issues so there is something going on. At his age, it is not impacting too much on school work just yet. The teacher has mentioned to me that she has very little experience of dyslexia and there is no support at school for this issue below year 5. Do you think I should go down the route of testing for dyslexia or is there something else I should be doing / someone else I should be seeing? Thanks I took my DS there for speech therapy a few years ago to Dubai Community Health Centre and had a HORRIBLE experience (that is not to say the entire facility is bad, but my experience certainly was). He is now with Kid's First and they are fantastic, however, their waiting list is quite long. I have also heard great things about Al Noor, so worth giving them a call as well. <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 17/10/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 11:19
Hi there, You can email me on my user name at g mail if you would like. I used to work in that industry so can give you some names of some companies as well as the ones to avoid!! HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 12:57
I second Churchill. I had them come in about a month ago and they cleaned my area rugs and were fast and did a great job! HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 18:35
Thanks! Just got it.
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 18:35
Thanks! Just got it.
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 17:35
Can you email me as well? Thanks! <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 01/10/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 September 2012 - 17:34
HI ladies, apologies for the delay....I have been out in meetings all day..... Here is the rugby information: Jebel Ali Canterbury Dragons Rugby Academy is running an after school activity at the Sports City rugby pitch on Thursday's from 3:30-4:30pm starting Thursday 4th October. There are currently five children that are ages 5 and 6 registered. Children 4 and up are welcome and I will have to email the coach now to confirm up to what age are playing on Thursdays. If you would like to email me, then I can pass on your details to the coaches and you can liaise with them. Thank you for your interest and hopefully we see you out there next Thursday!! <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 27/09/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 16:22
So pretty much what we've been saying all along. Sanddy Dogg, Your comment gave made me laugh! So occasionally we do know what we are talking about here..... ;)
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 12:21
We lived in Jum/Umm Sequim for the past 5 years with DS who is now 6. I commuted to Sharjah everyday for 2 years and it is a royal pain to get in and out of the area at peak times, even though I was heading against the Sharjah traffic going to and from work. We have now moved to the Ranches and I would never go back to living in that part of town. It is a beautiful community with everything you need right here, and a MUCH easier commute to Sharjah along either 311 or 611. So there is another opinion for you!!:) HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:45
Go to Sisters in either Jumeirah (ask for Lily, she is awesome) or the one at Mirdif City Centre (and ask for Marina). They use Lycon wax and it is AED 160. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:41
I had them done at the Gold Salon about 5 years ago for the same reason. They put about 160 pieces in (which is a LOT). They looked great, but were incredibly expensive!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 14:06
On the first floor of the building that has 'Chi ' nail spa and 'Avenue' in it; on your right at the second set of traffic lights after Spinney's when driving towards Victory Heights. Thanks! I will stop in tomorrow:)
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 11:35
Where are they located? I'm interested as well, as it would be nice to not have to make the trek to Satwa!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 10:08
I have a number of extra window coverings and live in the Ranches as well. What size are you looking for? You can email me on my user name at gmail if you would like. HTH Thanks - just emailed you! Hi, I just tried calling you (my number starts with 052....) I have a black out blind that would work perfectly with the dimensions that you sent through, so call/email me back and we can coordinate something.
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 09:21
I have a number of extra window coverings and live in the Ranches as well. What size are you looking for? You can email me on my user name at gmail if you would like. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 18:59
They must arrive in the UAE as manifest cargo. They can travel on the same flight as you, however you will have to collect them at cargo village if you choose to do it yourself. Be prepared for it to take at least 2 hours and you will need all of your documentation along with a nice stack of cash that you will have to give to various people/desks (in that typical Dubai "stamp, staple, take it that guy, bring it back to me....etc."). The first time we brough our dog over, we had Dubai Kennels and Cattery organise everything and the second time I did it myself. It is not difficult, just a hassle! HTH edited to add, it was about $2500 to bring her here and 195 Euro to fly her back as they can arrive in Canada as excess baggage. <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 12/09/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 10:47
I have to say.....I honestly cannot believe this thread is still going......:\:
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 13:16
Hi all, I'm hoping that someone with experience in HR can help me. I've been working for the same company under an unlimited contract since Set 2008 and the company has recently been sold. The new owners have informed all staff that they are cancelling our existing contracts and visas and offering us new contracts from the new owners. We've all received our new contracts and a number of staff have been offered much much lower packages than we were previously on - for example, a demotion, over 40% pay cut and a huge reduction in benefits. They have also informed us that if we don't accept the new contracts we will be terminated! They've acknowledged that they need to pay us for our notice period at our existing salary and will give us the end of service gratuities that we are owed. However they are not offering any compensation for our termination / redundancy. Articles 122 and 123 of the labour law state that if an employee is terminated for reasons that are not due to their work, the employer must pay compensation to the employee of up to 3 months full salary. I've tried to get the MoL to confirm this is the case but they're really not helpful and don't seem to know their own labour law! Does anyone have experience with this sort of situation and can offer advice, or has anyone been through anything similar? Many thanks Have you actually physically gone to MoL to discuss with someone, rather than just speaking with them on the phone? My advice would be to get yourself down there very early one morning and speak to someone before you meet with a lawyer. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 12:12
Try GT automotive in Al Quoz, behind the garden centre. They helped us with our RR and were honest about things!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 14:52
My dress sounds like it might also work. I can take a photo and email it to you if you would like. Hth
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 16:14
I am! You can email on 4sidekicks at g mail.... Let me know when you do and I will remove my email. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 18:22
The best thing to do is to go to the Ministry of Labour and speak with someone. Bring a copy of your contract and labour card. If you have a case they will contact your former employer and have them come to discuss the situation. If you cannot come to a resolution then you have the choice to take them to court. I would advise you to try and agree on a settlement with them rather than going to court unless it is a substantial amount of money; the process is long, convoluted and extremely painful :( HTH Edited to add, make sure you have been employed legally (NOC from your DH, labour contract etc.) otherwise, the MOL will not help you and you could find yourself in trouble <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 12/07/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 14:30
PerkyPiglet, I am interested as well. Can you email me on my user name at g mail? Thanks!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 15:08
Phone number 04 4522262 Thanks Yorky! Will call them now :)
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 12:44
Another vote for the Nail Spa....still go to the one at Mercado even though we have moved to the Ranches! I am happy to hear they are now open here; does anyone have a contact number for them or do I have to attempt to get the through information? :(
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 12:28
Another vote for D. Madhu. He was a live saver last summer when I cracked a molar and was in a serious amount of pain! He fit me in ASAP and didn't charge a small fortune. It is a little tricky to find parking, but he is a lovely man and the clinic is very clean. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 16:18
we've used Noor 050 350 5818 I second Noor and recommend him 100%! We have used him a number of times now and have suggested him to other people as well and have always been very happy!! HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 15:16
Just got our bill for our 2 bed in Palmera and it is 1000 this month. A/C has been on downstairs all day. I was 600 last month. HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 16:42
Just a matter of interest - I have a two bed villa. The cleaner came today and I asked her not to clean the spare room as I was working in there so all she had to do was the main bedroom, lounge and kitchen and ironing. But after 3 hours, she did not manage to do the ironing. My house is really not dirty, it is just general cleaning to do. Should she have enough time to do ironing in 3 hours? yes Absolutely, mine does 3 bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, dining room, outside porch, hangs ou a load of washing and does all the ironing. If she has time she cleans the small patio area outside. She says my house is one of the easiest of the week - I think because we have everything put away, she is not expected to tidy, just clean. I am not saying you expect her to tidy but she said with some houses she has to put away a weeks worth of childrens toys before she can clean. OK now I feel like a wally, I must be hiring them for too long? we live in a large 2 bed (about 1,500 sq ft), 3 bathrooms but small kitchen, 1 balcony. I also usually have a big pile of ironing and would like the sheets changed weekly. Spare room is empty atm as it is being decorated to become nursery. How many hours do I need? We are very tidy people, house is usually spotless, just need her to dust and clean, not rearrange anything. 4 hours enough? or 3 even? Your house sounds identical to ours. We always have the maid come once a week for 4 hours. She arrives at 7.45 and leaves at 11.45. The ironing always gets done (no more than 4-5 items per week) and the rest of the house is dusted, vacuumed and moped etc. Windows in living area are cleaned inside and out and the bathrooms cleaned. Some weeks I also give her a task i.e. wipe out the fridge, clean inside a cupboard. If we don't have too much ironing she fits it all in beautifully. We never expect her to tidy up.. just clean. I figure we're big and ugly enough to tidy up after ourselves and put our junk and bits and bobs away. Hope that helps! Ours is also just cleaning. There are only two of us - no kids so there is really nothing to put away. She doesn't clean our windows, has never cleaned the fridge or microwave (I do that). Doesn't wash dishes (dish washer) Doesn't make the bed or change sheets (I do) so really.. she should be able to vacuum, mop, wipe down the counters and iron in 3 hours. KazSA, I think 3 hours is too long to do only that.....we met the other night when I was out looking for Henry (the cat) and we live in the same type of villa. We had a maid coming in for 3 hours per day, 4 times per week, and she was barely managing to get the cleaning done, let alone any ironing!! We are 3 in our house, but I do all the laundry and we are generally very tidy people!! Anyways, she has been fired and I can do it all in 2 hours.....HTH
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 15:28
My favourite, (after 5 years of looking), is the Nail Spa at Mercado. HTH edited to add, we have now moved from the area and I still go back to the Nail Spa! <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 30/05/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 09:25
I have put an ad on dubizzle. Here is the link with photos of Henry http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified/pets/lost-found-pets/cats/2012/5/30/lost-much-loved-month-old-kitten-in-arabia-2/?back=ZHViYWkuZHViaXp6bGUuY29tL2NsYXNzaWZpZWQvcGV0cy9sb3N0LWZvdW5kLXBldHMv
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 18:00
BUMP! Anyone? I have just walked all of Palmera 2 calling for Henry with no luck :(. Please keep your eyes peeled for our much loved kitten. TIA
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:34
Thanks CA....will go after I collect DS this afternoon and take a look!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 13:44
"expatwomen don't work"?! err, we work, believe me! Agreed!! After 5 years in the construction industry in Dubai (with DS who is almost 6) I can assure you, we most certainly work, and probably much harder than our male counterparts!! It is not easy by any stretch, but it does happen. I have never been sponsored by DH, rather always through the company that I was working for so the whole "Not Allowed to work" thing has never been an issue.
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 15:28
Hi 4sidekicks! The landlord can sell the property with you in it - according to RERA there is nothing to stop your landlord from selling his property. The new landlord will however need to give you 12 months notice should he wish to move into the property himself. If on the otherhand, as your tenancy is up in November, the landlord could always refuse to renew your tenancy but to do so he would have to give you 3 months notice in writing ofcourse. Thank you for the info. Of course we know he can sell it, just wish we had known that he was thinking about it before we moved in as we would have selected another property as there are a number of units like ours that are available. I wanted to clarify what our rights are if he does in fact sell (I highly doubt it based on when it was purchased and what they are selling for now) as I really like our new place and don't want to have to move again in 6 months!! Anyone have the number for RERA so I can give them a bell tomorrow to clarify? I've searched through all the RERA threads but can't seem to find the number....just having one of those days/weeks..... :(:(
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 13:43
Does anyone have the number for RERA?? I still cannot find it!!:\:
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 12:48
Thank elle.... trying to find the RERA number but am not having any luck!!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 12:42
I know there have been several threads about this, but could not find any info that relates directly to our situation. We have taken over someone's current lease (in March) that expires in November at the same price, payment terms etc. The LL has told us he would like to sell. If this does happen, what are our rights? We really love our new place and have put a lot of time and energy into decorating it and really making it feel like home. We are planning on staying and would like to renew in November. Does anyone know what our options are as I really do not want to have to move again in November!! TIA
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 16:25
I just wanted to check is the Freedom store still at the Mirdif Center? How do you find the prices compared to Australian prices? Does anyone know if they have a website for the Dubai store with Dubai prices? Thanks:) They have a big sale on now. Have no idea about how the prices compare to Australia, as I have only been to it at Mirdiff. Sadly the sale is over! I popped in this morning to buy a couple of cushions I had seen in the sale and nothing is one sale anymore! The cushions I like are now back to the original price, which is about 3 x the sale price :(
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2012 - 15:51
Will you please send me a photo of the bed you are selling? We recently moved to a much smaller villa and I went through the process of selling things on dubizzle. I didn't put my number on the ad and screened the emails very carefully. I then spoke to people on the phone and arranged viewings based on how genuine they were. The idiots that sent messages saying I will give you 100 for that (when it was advertised for 900 didn't get a response from me!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 19:31
Wikkd, Have just emailed you.
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 16:50
They're fab. Love them and use them all the time, I've used other painting companies and they are the best. All my friends use them too. What are their prices like? We have just moved and need to paint our villa. Any info appreciated!
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 16:48
Hi wikkid, I would be interested in discussing this more! I have been riding for about 27 of my 33 years and am a very confident as well as experoenced rider. You can email me on . Let me know when/if you do and I will delete my emaill id. Hope to speak to you soon!:) Just sending you an email back now!! <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 27/04/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 09:42
We're in a 3 bed in Umm Sequim and have had bills of 800 in the winter and 4000 in the summer (I almost had a heart attack when I got those bills!!). Nothing in our villa seals properly, so I am sure that is the issue. The high rent (we are right on the beach), the DEWA bills and the noise are the main reasons we are moving this week!! Perhaps if you find a place that you like, ask to see copies of the DEWA bills from the summer? That's what we have done with our new place. HTH <em>edited by 4sidekicks on 26/03/2012</em>
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2012 - 08:34
It rained here in Umm Sequim for about 60 seconds.....has now stopped!:(
194
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2012 - 08:08
I have a mammut table and chairs that I am selling (along with the bed, dresser and bookshelf). Let me know if you are interested. 4 side kciks at g mail dot com (all one word)