aevans_indubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

aevans_indubai

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2014 - 09:01
I have found that at least once a year they actually come and check the meters. All throughout the year DEWA estimate your usage - and charge you on what they believe you are using - so there is always one month that plays 'catch up' so to speak. It happened to me, I had DEWA come out and check meter, check for leaks and then they said that they only actually read the meters every other month (or as I understand once a year!).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 10:24
There are some good nurseries in Dubai - and some not so good ones. Perhaps let us know which area you live in and then people can make recommendations based on your location as a start (or if you need one near your office?). <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 08/06/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 13:12
... S Got it thanks
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 11:24
Applies to all categories... not just domestic helpers. 30 days grace period still in place, but no overstay any more. Before if you overstayed you could pay a per day fine - however now once the grace period expires the person must exit the country. No exceptions. No official document, but call DNRD and they will confirm.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2014 - 14:06
I met the maid with her present employer who said that you can take her onto your sponsorship [b'>once her grace period is over. [/b'>[b'>[/b'>[b'>[/b'> [i'>[Not sure what you mean by grace period - if her visa has expired she will be overstaying - and someone (most likely you) will have to pay a per day fine for each day of her overstay while you get her visa organised - the law changed on 1 May 2014 regarding overstay processes so you should speak to the department of immigration about this'>[/i'> Today the maid called me and said that the employer isn’t letting her go, and said that he will cancel her visa and send her back to the Philippines if she does not want to stay on. [i'>My advice would be to call the sponsor directly - do not try to understand what is going on through the maid. There must be a reason the sponsor will not cancel and allow her to work for another employer.[/i'> Can any of you advise on what's my best course of action? If she does go back to the Philippines, do you know what the charges are to get her back via an agency (And do I HAVE TO use an agency to do so? [i'>Yes, you will have to bring her back into the country via an agency and it will take at least 45 days. [/i'>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 16:43
Loads to choose from - that all do set business lunch menus for pretty reasonable rates - between 100 - 200 AED per head for 2 / 3 courses. My only complaint is that sometimes you want to spend a little more time over lunch, but most of these places operate with super fast (get them in and out as quickly as possible) efficiency over lunch. If you are not interested in drinking - then Katsuya @ the Dubai Mall is lovely but I am not sure they have any business lunch options. La Serre - Downtown (Vida hotel) TOKO - Downtown (Vida hotel) Tokyo @the Towers - Emirates Towers Alfies - Emirates Towers The Ivy - Emirates Towers Robertos @ DIFC Wheelers @ DIFC Zuma @ DIFC DIFC Ritz Carlton - Belge (Belgian Café) Caramel @ DIFC Gaucho @ DIFC
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 16:12
I should add, I agree with wickedangel_78 ... agency maids can also be a nightmare. I used one agency 5 years ago who delivered the psycho maid. I did have to pay up front, and she was so bad I drove her back to the agency office within 3 days. When I went back to the agency, the psycho maid started crying and saying that my DH was not a nice man and she was scared of him. Ironically my DH was away at the time so she just was making it all up to get sympathy. I was so so so angry. Not at paying the money - but at watching this person who had been in my home (and with my children) turn into the most nastiest, lying little .... I had ever seen. The agency refused to give me my money back, but I can say that I got all my money back. I called the police, and promised the manager that I would come to her office every single day until I got my money back. That day, I had 100% full refund. When I got back to my house, the psycho maid had written me a letter saying that in her country she had maids, and that she couldn't believe she had to work 'like a maid'.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 15:25
and empower / and enoc / and adnoc / and the hotels and and and ..... and ..... the problem is that school is the most costly as it's such a large sum for us to pick up - 2% is a substantial add on. If I take Grade 7 @ one of the schools... school fee is approx. 60,000.... there are 200 students - annual revenue for grade 7 is 12 Million. They will collect an additional 240,000 AED in admin fees from Grade 7 alone if we assume that every body pays with credit card. Multiply that by 7 for each grade offered in the school - and the total collected for admin fees is 1.7 Million AED. Are they for real......
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:49
My girl is 2 now and her refusal of the bottle was a first clue for us as to what an incredible stubborn little person she was going to be :-))) Doublestar - mine two. She runs (rules) our house....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:47
I did both. First feed of the day and then from when I returned from work - usually 6pm + then again at 11pm and again at 5/6am. I expressed twice during the day to keep supply up, and sometimes was able to express at 5am as well as feed.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 10:24
I feel your pain. After BF my first 2 babies and returning to work - without any issue... along came my 3rd. She downright refused any bottle and looked at me as if to say - wtf is that! I spoke to everyone I knew to get some advice - and my sense of panic just seemed to make it worse. I bought every single bottle and teat I could get my hands on. I was feeding her expressed milk- in the bottles not formula - so there really should have been no problem .... Anyway, the only thing that worked - and it was harsh - was that we starved her for one feed - which meant she didn't have anything for about 8 hours. We offered the bottle and she refused so we didn't give her anything until the next scheduled feed. She cried herself to sleep - and when she woke up for her next feed she took the bottle and that was that. Awful awful awful solution, but in hindsight ... was the only way. She is now 4 and there are no obvious mental disorders as a result of the one dropped feed. I was able to return to work, and continued expressing and feeding her breast milk up to about 9 months. Good luck - you may need to get a friend to help you or your husband to take over the bottle feeds to get her used to it before you go back to work.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2014 - 13:47
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children hotline for domestic violence and abuse cases is 800-111. Edited to add "OR SMS 5111" http://www.dfwac.ae/ Tel: 04-6060300 Fax: 04-2871221 Email: [email protected] Or contact her embassy <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 06/05/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2014 - 12:55
Do not make any further mistakes with her. Any girls you interview locally will smell your desperation and treat you exactly the same. I would cancel her visa immediately, and take her to the airport. Anyone that says that they want to go home will not be working hard for you - and really can't be trusted to be at home with your precious one. In my time in Dubai, I have had the pregnant maid; the runaway maid (my mother is very sick - it's her heart); the lying maid; the thieving maid, the psycho maid (she lasted 3 days), the filthy maid, and just recently got rid of the world's laziest maid. I am not at all harsh, and I pay very well (but not 3,000 AED - that's just crazy money). In return I was treated terribly - and lied to repeatedly. After ditching the world's laziest maid, I spoke to others at my work and asked them where they sourced their excellent home help (I did not speak to other westerners!) and decided I would try a different recruitment approach. They all recommended using agencies, and trying to source a maid directly from the Philippines. I first interviewed around town - and met all these 'wonderful maids' with glowing references - all wanting ridiculous salaries, up to 3 nights out.... etc etc. Those that did turn up to interview just asked how much they will get and were so jaded by the whole Dubai lifestyle - one said she has many many friends and her madam lets her spend Thurs/Fri and Sat night with them. To be honest any maid that turns up with more bling than beyonce isn't in your home caring for your children.... she is using your house as free accommodation whilst she pursues other interests. After the final round of disastrous interviews (where one maid came to our apartment and said it was too large for her and she would not be able to clean it...) I contacted labour supply companies in Dubai. They charge between 7,000 - 10,000 for a maid and you will also have to pay the cost to sponsor her. I was so impressed with the standard of CVs. I interviewed around 15 girls (all based in the Philippines). I was then sent a 20 minute pre-recorded video interview of any of the girls I wanted more information about. It was an incredible eye opener. We just never ask the right questions - however these agents live and die by their reputation so they do not refer / take on any rubbish maids. All the girls were so genuine, and I could have hired about 5 of the 15 I interviewed right there and then. They sign undertakings with the agency as well as with their sponsor to work and honour the agreements. Most of them are assigned to Arabic families. Anyway, I just want to say, ditch the maids that are advertising here. They are playing us all against each other and when you work full time and look for someone to care for your kids you sometimes make desperate decisions. Pop your LO in a nursery if need be until you find the right one. You may have to do that for a month, but the cost will be worth if you can feel more comfortable with the care arrangements long term. Trust me when I say, it was so hard for me to get rid of the world's laziest maid - because it was just easier to keep her year in year out. She knew the kids and the routines - but the kids have blossomed since she left. The world's laziest maid spent 20 hours a day in her room.... . Anytime I needed anything I had to go and knock on her door and wait there .... I would get home from work and she would be sitting on the couch watching tv with the kids. No dinner, kids in school uniforms... and the whole time I would just think - well at least they are safe... (guilt of going to work). It has taken me a month to unplug my kids from the ipad,ipod and tv - as it was what she did every day - just turn them on and head to her room. Argh. Feel so glad that the world's laziest maid has gone and that I invested money and time into employing someone new to the region. Just google - Labour Supply Company Dubai and a range of options will come up. <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 04/05/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 15:48
This is a great website - just type in your ingredients and it spits back some recipes http://www.supercook.com/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 17:57
Hi - posted in the other forum as well - do you mind sending me your contact number - thx <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 16/02/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 17:54
please email me a number I can reach you on - - thank you <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 16/02/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 13:52
I would highly recommend some of the smaller gyms in and around the Marina. I assume that's where you live if you are looking at Tribe Fit. I thought Tribe Fit was pretty amazing - but it appeals more to the young single crowd then a busy working mum ..... It depends what you want to do - if you want to do some classes - Studio Fitness (JBR) is fantastic. They have some excellent instructors and their prices are very very reasonable. (studiofitness.ae) If you want to do Cross Fit type workouts - head to CrossFit Life Spark at JLT. If you want to try outdoor exercise (even in this heat) then do one of the bootcamps - Original Fitness Co runs bootcamps all over Dubai and Abu Dhabi (and are the best!). If you are into weights / hard core gym there is a new gym opposite the mall of the emirates called Warehouse Gym. Before you hand over loads and loads of money to Fitness First - look at some of the independent gyms - they are run by professionals who genuinely care about their members. One of the instructors from Studio Fitness has set up company that runs a website fitness link (http://www.fitnesslink.me/) which lists all the details of accredited fitness instructors and gyms in the UAE. Worth a look - as you may be amazed at the standard of the instructors at the smaller gyms. Good luck
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2013 - 12:16
My sister surprised me and my hubby with a dinner at the ritz for my 40th. Was incredible, and the streets of Paris were show enough! http://www.ritzparis.com/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2013 - 12:12
I find it outrageous - in community pools - that mothers/fathers/ carers will let their young children (not toilet trained) swim without a stitch on... not a swimming nappy, no bathers - nothing. These community pools are not baths nor are they private pools. If you saw this - would you ask the mother to put a swimming nappy on the child? I didn't say anything - just took my kids out of the pool. I regret not saying anything - but I just felt like it was a difficult conversation to start.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 17:31
The gym at Al Barari 'bought' contact details from a third party. Despite me telling them at least 5 times to stop calling me - they kept calling and calling and calling. They called my husband as well. I took the name of the last person who called me, told him that I would call the police if they kept calling. Very annoying - put me off even finding out where Al Barari is.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 14:04
Thanks lovingwife :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 11:35
Saw this today http://www.sport360.com/blog/nasser-al-tamimi-making-sure-pts-uae-are-fit-teach Have a look at http://www.fitnesslink.ae - you will be able to contact registered PT's as I know they are really strict with the names of the companies they promote - they will only list those companies that have properly trained PTs.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 14:31
http://emiratesdiary.com/jobs-in-uae-2/gratuity-calculation-uae-labour-law-unlimited-contract
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 15:52
Has anyone seen these in the shops? I want the one to weigh myself - not the kitchen scales. Thanks
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 11:16
Can anyone recommend family accommodation (hotels with family rooms / interconnecting rooms) in Sydney that they have stayed at? Thanks
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 15:38
1762 - best at DIFC ... they even do little fruit cups ... they are always a hit at my office.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 15:33
Just tried to get an appointment with Salon Ink - no appointments until April !! with Kelly. !!! Any other suggestions for a good colourist?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 14:38
You need to ask the bank - every bank has different processes in place with different companies. Our company for example only banks with one bank, and we provide an undertaking that we will notify the bank once an employee's visa has been cancelled.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 12:15
Is the degree only required when a woman sponsors her DH? Yes, the woman must be a 'professional' which means they must have a university degree unless they can be granted an exemption from that rule
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 09:00
Stop eating anything processed - anything at all (snickers bars are a definite no no)... even a bite. Throw the stuff out - no chips and dips. Find an exercise you love (be it Zumba, jogging, riding a bike whatever) and do it 6 times a week for 4 weeks (each time it must be for an hour). Buy small plates and eat off them - portion distortion railroads anyone's best attempts to lose weight Commit to a alcohol free month. You cannot out train a bad diet, you have to change what is in your kitchen and on your plate if you really are committed you have to stop eating ****. Skinny people are not 'genetically gifted' they work out and eat clean. Celebrities are not born thin and toned with radiant skin - it comes because they follow strict diets and work out a lot. Despite your best intentions you will not wake up 5 kilos lighter just because you want to. My daily food (and I take a packed lunch to work everyday......) - breakfast - oats or all bran with skim milk - morning snack - handful of berries - lunch - 100g of protein (chicken / tuna) with a HUGE green salad with no dressing (little lemon juice ok) with small serve of carbs (whole weat bread / NO RICE) - afternoon snack - some nuts (almonds - only 10) or some more berries - dinner - 100g of protein (chicken / tuna whatever) with a HUGE serving of steamed veggies NO CARBS FOR DINNER - late night snack - green tea Their trainers are amazing and they would never suggest I could have a snickers bar ... ever. I would expect 50 extra burpees just for mentioning the word snickers..... It's all or nothing - you cannot dip in and out of 'diets' you have to commit to a lifestyle change and you will see amazing results.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 08:40
Just did my DH's visa Docs Needed: husband's passport; attested marriage certificate; my employment contract; EJARI certificate; tenancy contract; title deed for apartment; DEWA bill; Emirates ID card (for husband as they are renewed at the same time). Time: Took over 4 weeks to process and DH had to do a blood test again. Annoying bit: Immigration rules have changed and sponsored husband's visas are only renewed for 12 months. Previously it was 2/3 years. Sponsored wives are still 2 years. .. ... <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 22/01/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 08:36
I do the school run in the morning with my 3 at 2 different drop offs.... and my DH does the pick up. When he is away for work - I do both. When I am away for work - he does both. We just have to make it work, but to be honest it never occured to me to send my maid to collect any of them. I would be more worried and stressed about it - that I wouldn't concentrate at work for that hour anyway. Just be honest with your company - and let them know that every day you will need to step out to drop the little one at home.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 14:12
If you mean pace on a treadmill - you need to run at level 10 for the full hour - that is exactly 6 mins per 1k
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 10:50
I did, but it depends on the terms of your current policy and whether there is an express ability to opt in and or out of maternity packages - and whether there is a wait time before opting into maternity. Unfortuantely other people's experience will differ from your own - as it will come down to what your health insurer offers. Good luck
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 10:26
If you live at the Marina and you like the Les Mills classes - studio fitness at JBR is great. They have a 50% off special at the moment - but they do only the classes - they don't have a gym. They have classes everynight from 6.30 and classes on Friday and Saturday too. They are in the Murjan section of JBR. Have a look at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-Fitness/161203647228044
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 17:16
If you have online banking - then you can do it that way (under 'transfer') otherwise you will have to go into the closest branch and have a teller process it for you. Or you could write a cheque to the company.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 15:40
Just keeping this back at the top .... please remember to fill in your survey responses before Sunday. Thanks <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 10/01/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 08:25
I guess this is what happens when schools are run like businesses.... we're fortunate to have one child in a not for profit school and the other in a privately owned. Seems a little smug. A lot of us are in a very tough situation - I have 3 children and this poses a very difficult time of uncertainty for us and after 7 years at JPS and JC I am truly devastated that we are being treated like this by the school. I am not looking for your sympathy - I just want to remind everyone to fill in the survey. Agree with the other posters - it is not as easy to just pull your kids out of the school and try and find places at other schools. All schools are businesses (and it is naive of you MOLLY CUDDLE to assume yours is not) but like every single business in the world they have different motivators and measures of success. Unfortunately for this company their [b'>ONLY [/b'>motivator is the personal wealth generation of an individual.... Schools that operate on a not for profit basis are also run like businesses, but of course their key motivator is not profit. A privately owned school would also be run for profit - but perhaps their measure of success is a lower rate of profit. Still profit and fees and a business nonetheless. [b'>Please everyone - fill in the survey Don't forget to complain to KHDA and DSIB about the sudden introduction of the 're-enrolment fee' [/b'> <em>edited by aevans_indubai on 10/01/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 18:35
Please dont get sidetracked form the issue. If you have an issue with the fee increase proposed by JC - I implore you to respond to the survey. If you have an opporunity to let KHDA know through the surveys issued this week about the proposals then please do. Truth is - no matter what allowances are included, or are not included - no one enrols their children in a school and expects the fees to increase that much. So let's work together to send JC a collective - NO WAY.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 13:28
You must must must must - fill in the survey and return to JC. Under KHDA rules - JC and JPS are required to demonstrate to the KHDA that they offered the parental body an opportunity to comment on the proposed fees. If we all just grumble rather than act they will get these fee increases through. Everyone at JPS that received the KDHA survey - please fill it in - don't be shy about saying that the proposed fees are astronomical and a joke given the facilities and the teachers have not improved. The only people that benefit from the fee increase are the oweners of the greedy esurient money grabbing shambles .... masquerading as a educator. We had our heart set on JC, and I never looked anywhere else - now I am looking furiously. What can other mums realistically recommend for high school for September 2013?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 17:18
Dr Loubser at Infinity Clinic
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 09:43
For children? Dr Loubser @ Infinity
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 09:01
I am registered - but on a daily basis talk myself in and out of it. You doing it?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 08:31
A few years ago I made one from the women's weekly 'children's cake book' series. Just googled it and someone else has put step by step instructions on their blog... http://sathyaskitchenadventures.blogspot.com/2010/02/pirate-ship-birthday-cake.html
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 12:26
There's a new website fitness link - with info on all personal trainers in Dubai. http://www.fitnesslink.me/fitcoach
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 12:30
Thanks Lanarkwitch - is he/she at the main office?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 12:14
RE: shirataki noodles There is also a product called 'slim noodle / slim pasta ' which is made from Yam. Seen it in Waitrose http://www.slendierslim.com.au/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 08:53
School is part of the: GEMS Group.... Apparently they are implementing it across all their schools. New students - I understand, continuing students - I cannot understand it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 08:46
Guess Jamie needs to start working on including the nutritional content on each recipe in his cookbooks. At least with Nigella she doesn't claim to be the mouthpiece for healthy eating, rather the opposite in fact ! His latest book - 15 minutes has all the nutritional info in the back - and it was enough for me to put the book back on the shelf. Average meal has 700 - 800 calories per serve! I can only assume his wife never eats his cooking....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 14:13
Here is the link: http://www.khda.gov.ae/CMS/WebParts/TextEditor/Documents/FeeFrameWorkEnApril2012.pdf Go straight to the last page: Existing students: A school [b'>may [/b'>charge up to 20% of the school’s tuition fees as a re-registration deposit to confirm the return of existing students in the new academic year. This deposit should be deducted from the total tuition fees for the academic year in which the admission is being sought I find it outrageous. The letter from the school suggested the KHDA has introduced new regulations that impose these fees - but the KHDA has done no such thing. The KHDA make it permissable for the school to levy a re-enrolment fee, but they certainly do not make it mandatory. I am angry about the manner in which they characterised the message - do they think their parents cannot or would not read and understand the guidelines?