artistmom | ExpatWoman.com
 

artistmom

artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2017 - 13:15
My family is gearing up to leave at the end of the year as well. My husbands company has taken away benefits and denied decent pay increase and promotions. With the cost of living here plus education being so ridiculous high, we just can't afford to live here much longer. I know a handful of families that are in the same situation, it's getting too expensive here and the benefit it not as good as it used to be. I have heard lots of rumors that Expo2020 will cause problems once it is gone. Companies are coming into Dubai now leading up to the Expo and that bring money but once the Expo is over there is no reason for them to stay and there will be a big exodus out of Dubai at that point as well.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 13:07
Try not to overthink it :) My pediatrician always said I could switch to cows milk at 1yr. Since they will begin getting the bulk of their calories from solid foods at that point, I think milk as a beverage is basically to provide a little extra calories plus calcium and other things. Personally I would give my kids to drink what is the most readily available so shopping trips are not too frequent or urgent. Good luck! You'll find what works best for your little one, they are all so different, there is not just one answer or right solution.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 13:01
SassymamaDubai tends to email weekly about weekend activities for families as well.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 12:20
I have seen book clubs, ladies nights, and coffee meetups (mostly for Dubai). I think if you search for some of those you can find some groups to join for whatever area you select. It can be a little work to find the activities and places but they do exist. I am a stay at home mom and am busy each day with kid stuff and housework so I understand your feelings a bit. <3
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 12:13
http://www.thenational.ae/arts-life/food/some-dubai-restaurants-to-open-in-the-day-during-ramadan-2017#page3 Here's a list of restaurants that will be open in the daytime during Ramadan.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2017 - 12:01
I took my 1, 2, & 4yr old kids a few weeks ago and we had a great time (even though it was very hot that day). There are mostly outdoor activities but the play areas are shaded well. Check your kids height to see if they can ride anything, the height to get one a few rides is 110cm. There are plenty of places to play though and it can be a lot of fun for the little ones. Remember that it is Ramadan right now, you might want to check what changes they may have in place at the moment.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2017 - 13:50
Qatar.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2017 - 13:03
Visit the Dubai Turtle Rehabilition Project at Al Naseem hotel, they give a free talk at 11am on Wednesdays, or you can just go and see them anytime. Check out the Facebook page. The hotel beach is a great place for a Burj al Arab selfie too. Thank you :) I didn't know there was a turtle rehabilitation in Dubai at all.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2017 - 12:58
We try to explore as a family and have our kids help choose the activities we take part in. I would say having your kids tell you what would be enjoyable for them and then doing things as a family may be a great way to adjust and make life in Dubai more enjoyable.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2017 - 12:56
I agree with the shower filter, I have one and it helps me as well. They carry them at most carrefours and they have them at Ace Hardware(better selection here and replacement parts too).
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2017 - 23:29
I know this is old, are there any in the year 2017 that anyone has used that is decent? Housekeeping and babysitting? Why must Sharjah be so difficult!? :/
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2017 - 21:56
Hi everyone, I'm just re-establishing myself here in Dubai (after twenty years here then a couple of years away) and am weighing up the options for cleaning / household help. I like the idea of a live-in and have the space to accommodate someone, but I'm reluctant to go down the path of sponsorship. I saw a sign yesterday for "maids.cc" who do all that for you, for a fee, and the maid stays under their contract. A little more expensive than hiring direct but potentially much easier. I just wondered if anyone has any experience with them? Many thanks! Paula I'm trying to find some information on this company as well! Did you manage to find anything out or go ahead and use their services?
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2017 - 21:48
i have not been but my husband mentioned that Design District is really nice. other ideas: have a pancake breakfast at Sarabeths (newly opened ) famous in NYC, it is in City Walk and then you can take a walk in city walk or visit Al khazzan park with the kids (small cute park - very good coffee too and food) Al Qudra Lakes? (I have not been myself but hear it is nice). Going to the Dubai Mall, I believe they have a giant ball park now for kids. Souk al bahar to get into Arabic atmosphere, Souk Madinat I also like the trendy Alkersal Avenue the industrial area, there is a really nice chocolate factory where you can have a really good chocolate chip cookie and delicious coffee, I believe it is called Mirzam. Go to the Palm for a lunch at Sofitel or Anantara? I heard there is a nice park on the palm too Zabeel park on a Friday Morning with the Ripe Market or the evening event Glow in the Dark I always take visitors to DIFC as we love the atmosphere - architecture. ..... brunch or food at Zuma (expensive but so njammie if you are into Japanese food and sushi) I've never been to most of those places so thank you for the suggestions!
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2017 - 11:20
I know there are lists of things to do in Dubai on the ExpatWoman site but I was wondering where you ladies have personally gone that would be good to take visitors? I have not traveled much yet myself. Anything besides the obvious Burj Kalifa? Mostly sightseeing and unique to this side of the world. More low to medium priced places as well, I think the expensive things are usually well publicized :) I have kids but they do not.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 22:18
I love love love my stroller. If you are willing to purchase from online and have it shipped here then that is a good way to do it. I have the Joovy too light double stroller I think it's called. It's light enough for me to lift into the back of our big car. The back seat comes off and there's a bench for a big kid to sit on. There is a shade attachment as well and the one I purchased had a carseat attachment and strap if you have a newborn. It's really sturdy and is front and back instead of really wide seating. So look into the Joovy, it's great and you can change around a little as your kids grow. Note: might only be in USA... I bought mine from Amazon and had it shipped, it was a little pricey but it has been worth it.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 22:10
This happened to me a few times with two of my kids but in a different spot on my back. I went and got a massage one time and that relieved the tension but another time what I did to help was used a heated pack on the area to loosen the muscle. It sounds like there is just strain on the area from nursing, and with each baby you'll have changes/differences. I love "rice bags" for this purpose. I had to make some by hand since I could not find it in stores. You sew a pouch and then fill 3/4 way full with rice (any kind). Heat in the microwave until warm (to a temperature that is not too hot to burn you) then set on sore area. Reheat as often as necessary.
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 22:03
I don't know if you are close enough to Al Zahra in Sharjah? I delivered there in January 2016, my doctor was Dr. Shama Nawaz. I liked her, very easy going and direct, and I liked my delivery there as well. I have delivered two babies in Miami, USA and this one in Al Zahra and here in Sharjah was the better experience. The staff were great and I nothing really stuck out to me as bad. I got a little tour of the delivery area and the rooms. Dr. Shama also lives near enough to the hospital so she can be there quick enough for after hour deliveries (what she mentioned to me). Keep in mind that everyone has different experiences! The hospital I delivered at in the USA, all my friends who delivered there also hated the hospital and staff while I did not have any major problems, only a few minor/moderate ones. If you feel up to it I would suggest visiting a doctor or two from each place and get a feel for things. Good luck!
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 21:41
I went to Dr. Ashraf(sp?) at the Atlanta Vision Clinic last year actually. It's been about 8months since my procedure. I had the "best" one done that they offer - they used the laser to cut then slid back the flap and laser again for correction. It was absolutely fine, I was nervous but after one eye I relaxed because there's nothing to be afraid of. Anyways, the staff are great there and so is the doctor. My vision is fantastic, I had no "problems" with recovery. I couldn't rub my eyes for a few weeks, only use drops that they give you. I had dry eye pretty bad so I was using drops like 6+ times a day. Now I just do some gel drops once in the morning and evening and little by little the dry eye is going away. It was really worth it! I do not mind doing drops, it's a great trade off to wearing contacts or glasses and worry about losing them, breaking them, or having to replace them. Note, I got mine done during Ramadan because they had a good deal going on, so I saved a bunch of money (I can't remember exactly but I think it was 40% off).
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 21:31
I assume the exact documents you'll need attested will vary from job to job but doing the basics is a good idea. Attestation takes a few steps actually. You need to have each document attested in the originating state (Secretary of State), then the US Department of State, then the UAE Embassy in the USA. You'll have to do all three and in that order or you'll have your papers sent back if something was missed or messed up. It can be done relatively quick if you use flat rate quick service envelopes from the post office. When you find the websites for each office they will give you directions on exactly what they need to do the attestation, there's usually a fee per document as well. http://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/legalization-documents
artistmom
20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2017 - 21:10
I just saw The Secret Moroccan Bath at Uptown Mirdif Park recently. I was just walking past so I don't know what it's like inside but maybe another one to consider.
 
 
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