Ashleigh | ExpatWoman.com
 

Ashleigh

Ashleigh
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 18:57
My 5 yr old DS will need his tonsils out. Wondering about hospitals, docs etc. and looking for experiences and recommendations. Thanks! I'm no expert, but I thought they had stopped taking tonsils out nowadays? ETA: sorry that was really unhelpful! Just wanted to add, our pediatrician Dr Keith Nicholl recommended ENT Dr Bahgat Medical International Specialist Centre: # 04349910 He's an ENT surgical specialist. <em>edited by Ashleigh on 19/04/2011</em>
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 18:38
The aramex man just delivered it to me!! Am now scared to open the box incase I need to return it as it only says ipad - should the box say ipad 2? I checked the model number MC770LL/A on google and it said ipad 2. Can any ladies check the box or remember what it said? I tried to call the retailer but there is a 1 and a half hour holding time!! hey zaza, do you mind me asking you where you bought your ipad from that it is being delivered by aramex? TIA
Ashleigh
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:43
Fida in satwa have lots of ribbons and things like that, the place upstairs in Jumeriah Centre was called Elves and Fairies but it closed a couple of weeks ago Oh NO! :(
Ashleigh
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:42
I have to share this and maybe I will be told to pull myself together BUT we had old neighbours plus their child over for 8 days, fed them, supplied copious amounts of booze, showed the sights, taxied them around, paid for dinner etc. And they did say thank you but I was looking forward to a little token of appreciation as they left, but nothing! And it's eating away at me. Feel very used and abused! Thats OK, we had guests stay (similar to above in terms of hospitality) who invited us out for a drink to say "thank you" and ordered very expensive cocktails then waited for us to pay the bill, in fact they weren't shy about it either, they passed the bill to us and said, "here you go" really nice thank you!!!
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:32
There's a shop upstairs in the town centre in Jumeirah that has that kind of stuff.
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:24
If you try calling the taxi company 04 2080808, they'll give you a quote over the phone, well at least they should do :)
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:19
Can I check is living in Exec Towers, a bit like living in JBR except you are in the middle of town as oppose to in the Marina? yes :) that's the idea though it doesn't look like it yet :) I guess it will be a good few months til the roads and landscaping is finished. If you can move in now, take advantage of the cheaper rents, in a year or so, this is going to be THE place to be. ;) I actually think it will be, it was one of the areas I was considering buying in for that exact reason :)
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:18
I'm from jersey! depending on the bank/financial institution, they have minimum deposits...eg standard chartered is 100k...can't remember what hsbc's is but it's a lot - they made me close my jersey account after a few years of living away as i didn't keep enough in it! I think HSBC and Lloyds had a minimum deposit of 25 thousand pounds... you can find all the information on their website though, both HSBC and Lloyds.
Ashleigh
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:17
Thanx girls, for you quick reply, there are 9 units, they all work, just want to have it cleaned, one unit is smelling. Ac is one year old. I assume you mean 9 ac vents in the villa - you certainly won't have 9 ac units on the roof! I'd be amazed if you did! You could do if its a big Villa. 9 units means 9 seperate rooms running, like my villa has 4 I have 2 downstairs 2 upstairs, but some villas may have 9 units, 1x living 1x dining 1xfamily 4xbedroom 1xmaids room, 1xstudy (there's 9) :)
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:16
Thanx girls, for you quick reply, there are 9 units, they all work, just want to have it cleaned, one unit is smelling. Ac is one year old. If you call JWFI they may offer a discount for more units, but if its 2000AED thats about 210 per unit which isn't bad, although make sure they're a decent company that actually disinfect when cleaning, as well as clean out the pipes it makes a HUGE difference to the smell. You should have your AC cleaned 3x a year here in order to keep it maintained properly.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:10
The family entertainer has Channels at the Media Rotana which includes soft drinks (not sure about the hard stuff)
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:07
Each room or each unit? I use Jim will Fix it to clean my AC and we have 4 units, and the cost was 350 per unit. I have used emrill before and they charged 600AED for the AC cleaning, but they didn't do nearly as good of a job as JWFI so I rather pay the money and have it cleaned properly. They disinfect, re-do the gas, clean all the vents, clean all the pipes, go on the roof etc... they explain in detail when you call what they do.
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:53
They bought a villa as an investment while they were renting a bigger villa in a nicer area (they were making serious money) but the villa they bought reduced its value a lot and they had to move into the villa they bought as it was crazy to be paying a mortgage for a higher value plus rent. They are a family of 5 so the villa they bought is small for them, but they cannot really do anything else at the moment. Now they are losing money with the mortgage! I see. But to be honest, the prices at the peak and before the crash were rediculously high, and I remember thinking, they were dangerously high, but at the moment there are a few properties on the market for sale that aren't too high and will still get a decent rental yeild IF you get tenants... decisions decisions... <em>edited by Ashleigh on 19/04/2011</em>
Ashleigh
89
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:51
If they bought before the crash I would imagine they could well be in negative equity now. Not a great state to be in here. Ah yes, of course sorry, I had read before the peak rather than crash as the people I'm talking about had bought before the peak and are doing really well now. In saying that I have a friend who bough at the peak, and is now struggling after teh crash, so it works both ways I suppose.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:45
We own a flat in Scotland, in the city of Glasgow, and the return of investment is quite good. Nothing similar to near London, of course, but the flat was very cheap. I have friends here that bought villas in Dubai before the crash and they have regretted so much. But obviously everyone has their own story. We have never considered to buy in the USA as we know nothing about it and seems too far away, but I know that countries in Latin America are cheap and they will get more expensive as their economies are growing (Brazil for example) but we are not so keen as the risk is very high. It is so difficult when you are not there! We are thinking in putting the money away in one of the tax free areas in the UK until we make our minds out. It is sooooo difficult to invest the money now. My husband has been into it for the last 3 months and he is so unsure. It is really hard, and at times I feel really confident and just want to take the plunge, and at other times, I'm freaking out and think its better to keep the money in the bank! If you don't mind me asking, your friends who bought before the peak, what are their main regrets now?
Ashleigh
89
Posts
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:31
Hi Nimonemo, I'm from Australia, and the prices and the interest rates are so high there at the moment, I just don't think it's sensible for me to buy there. I have lived here for a while, and plan on staying, but although I look around me and see quite a few empty properties, I also see that many properties are well priced at the moment, and to me anyway it seems dubai is picking up. The downside is, there are so many residential units about to come on the market, and the fact that banks here have a bad rap. In saying that, I have friends who bought here before the peak for similar prices to those advertised now, and have managed to make a bit of money out of it either through selling (granted at the peak) or by renting it out, even today, so it kind of looks good to me from that point of view. Regarding The UK: The interest rates are good there at the moment, and the pound is a bit weaker, meaning my oz deposit would be quite good for the pound, and I could get a mortgage from say, lloyds from here to buy in the UK. And the UK will inevitably go up (my opinion of course) as it has more population than accommodation available. I am considering buying a townhouse in Heartfordshire as a friend of mine is from there and has said it would be a good place to buy, but of course I've still got a lot of research to do... (any suggestions on areas to research are welcome) Regarding the USA: In certain areas prices there are really cheap. I kind of have some very limited and basic knowledge of Florida, and have seen some houses/apartments priced as low as 20k up to 150k for some good properties, so for not too much outlay you could get a property there. The only things I don't know about is what to expect with all this recession, and buying a foreclosed home, what costs are involved (I read or heard somewhere that when you buy a home in the US you get the land taxes etc with the property, so if there's outstanding taxes they become your problem). I think the USA will pick up again, so since I have the money available, it may be a good investment, but again I don't really know exactly where to start so would need to look into it more. I have this money, and I want to use it wisely, so I'm just looking into what my options are and where my money would be best spend... its tough though, so any advice, pointers would be appreciated for sure!
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:07
round abbots at all. Now if i saw round abbots i would definetly stop, especially in a Muslim country :D darn automatic spell check!
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:06
Actually, I went into Debenhams to get a dress for NYE the day before NYE, and the dress I picked up had an orange sticker for 500AED, when I went to the till, they asked for 1000AED, I was like, what no look the price is here. Anyway, I was suspicious, so I went and checked all the other dresses and you could see they had peeled off the orange stickers with 500AED and stuck new ones on them with 1000AED, we pointed this out to the staff there, and they sold the dress for 500AED in the end. They are really cheeky.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:27
there's a huge oversupply of accommodation here - just looking out the window here in the Marina, I can see several hundred units that will come on the market in the next year, adding to that oversupply. Add to that the dubious build-quality and the property laws here that are in their infancy, I would steer clear of Dubai. Hi, Thanks for your response H.A.K, that's kind of my reservation, but at the same time I have friends looking to rent, and they're finding it hard to get anything to rent in their budget, but at the same time I've had a look at the sale prices and they're not too high... Would love to buy in the UK, especially near london, but wouldn't have a clue which areas were good to look in :(
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:22
Hi SueB, Yes you're right I haven't read the WHOLE book yet :) Haven't got very far yet at all actually, I've got to the attack phase where there's the list of the 10 groups you can have for the 5-10 days but haven't found the recipes yet! Should probably keep reading! I googled for some recipes, and found a website which had recipes for chicken/beef but they all used 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and I thought this wasn't allowed in the attack phase?
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:08
Dr. Radmila Lukian, MD., MSc Dermatologist and Laser Specialist Tel: 04 3446663 Thank you Kuchy, much appreciated.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 14:58
We have told LL it's broken and that the facilities team were coming to look at it. He's not offered up anything so far! Just say to him, The AC is broken, we've brought in XXX company to quote, will you pay in advance or reimburse? Put it in writing too.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 14:56
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/emergencies/driver-airlifted-after-emirates-hills-accident-1.795966 And to add to this article... "...The road where the accident took place has been the scene of many accidents involving taxis, as there are roadworks in the area, and there is a lack of clear warning signs and lights...." and people drive like maniacs down this road, and often don't bother to stop at the round abbots at all.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 14:54
http://www.lespritbeaute.com/treatments-by-name/8/cosmelan.html I have been seeing the dermotologist at The London Dubai Clinic in Jumeriah. Been very happy so far with all my results...had mild adult acne with roseacre and pigmentation. After 4 weeks my face is almost clear! :) Whats the name of your dermatologist please.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 14:50
Alright.. Was looking in my folder of vouchers and found another one. It's a cobone voucher for Oil change, Oil filter change, General Checkup of the car and car wash at Ghusia in Al Barsha for AED 75 Valid till 14th June 2011. LOL you sound like me, a Cobone addict who buys the vouchers and then never uses them!!! well at least some of them, I'm sure I'm impulse buying half the time :):):)
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 07:50
We're coming to Dubai (from Doha) for a long weekend, and I'd like to book tickets to go to the top of the tower. Any thoughts on what time of day/eve/night is the most spectacular or interesting viewing? Also, what's the best (and not crazy expensive) option for seeing the fountains? I'll be traveling with my teenage son, so not looking for fancy or romantic dining. Thanks! edited by RachelA on 19/04/2011 I personally suggest going to the bar rather than the observation deck. Its a minimum spend of 200AED and for 200AED you get quite a few Mocktails or wine/beer etc, even snacks. Far better money spent than going going up to the observation deck IMHO
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 07:43
FYI I found the oat bran in the organic store ca. AED14. Also available in Le Marche (organic section) as is the non-aspartame sweetner (xylitol/sevia). 0% Fat Fromage Frais available in Carrefour - available in 1kg tubs. Ca. AED24 Spinneys has 98% fat free ham in water (resealable packs) - Ca. AED22 I made a mess of my galette the first time but realised should be cooked like an omlette or pancake. Hot pan, I use fat free oil spray, leave galette in pan until can be easily flipped using fish slice. Takes about 5 mins. Have made them in a batch and stored them in fridge. Definitely nicer if you eat them warm! Day 3 of attack phase and about 3lbs down and do not feel hungry. Well done xmasbaby....you don't have too far to go. Icfcfm - how are you getting on? 5lbs in 5 days...fab! You onto the cruise phase now? Good luck! Hi Piggle, Just about to start the Dukan as after reading this thread went out and bought the book and think it seems really good! just wondering the 98% fat free ham, is that ham ham or is it turkey ham or something? just because in the book it says you're not allowed to eat pork, but does that not count when it comes to ham? TIA Also, anyone have any recipes/ideas when doing the attack phase? or it it literally grilling a piece of meat/fish and eating that on its own? any ways to spice up the food that you suggest? TIA
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 20:06
Thanks everyone for your responses! Anyone know about the blood test part? Is it really worth doing?
Ashleigh
89
Posts
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Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 19:51
http://dubaimusicschool.com/live/ OK this teacher Glenn Perry is not to everyones taste, and his school is not very glitz and glamor, but he is actually a really good teacher, fabulous for vocal ability and confidence. Really softly spoken, but kind and encouraging. ETA: He was my vocal coach 10 years ago, and he was recommended to me by an accomplished musician, and it turned out great for me, I don't know if he is still teaching there anymore, so just to be sure my recommendation is for Glenn, I wouldn't know about any of the others there. <em>edited by Ashleigh on 15/04/2011</em>
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 19:38
I love Pier Chic. Think the setting is fabulous, and the food was yummy when I went.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 17:50
I didn't stay at the Santa Fe Hotel, but friends of mine did. They said that is was OK, but there were really long lines for breakfast and the shuttle was always packed, and sometimes they had to wait to get onto one for 15-20 mins. The shuttle ride was about 10 mins for them. Also they said the breakfast food wasn't nice at all. I've stayed at the disney hotel, but before I stayed there I read a lot of reviews about it, so wasn't expecting much, it was really nice being close to the park, there were no queues at breakfast, and the characters came to the hotel which was great. It was about 4x the price of the other hotels though, but as we were only there a short time it was worth it.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 17:28
Have you tried contacting k9? they have a waiting list of people who want small dogs.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
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Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 17:11
ASD is a fantastic school, but it is pricey. If $$ isn't a problem, then ASD would be my number 1 choice any day. If its for little kids, ASD, JESS, DESS If its for HS ASD, DC, or JC
Ashleigh
89
Posts
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:51
There are pure breed dogs in K9, much more than I could imagine before.... Yet, it's true that if you want a puppy, you will mostly have to buy it....which I really won't recommend...Why buy a so expensive dog while so many are waiting for a home ? Plus, a puppy needs a lot of attention and training, while an older dog has already a certain sense of living (like not pooing in the living room...). Then, it depends also what you call a puppy. My dog, from k9 came in our family while she was 1.5yo. So, yes, full size, not the 3months size, but still a puppy.... Perhaps you can call K9 and discuss that with them. Perhaps they have the cuitest little dog just right for you, even if it's not a pure breed... ;) Yes, K9 does have pure breed dogs, but OP was looking for a small dog, and there is a waiting list for small pure breed dogs.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:48
They have a shop in mercato, and they also have a stall in one of the malls. For the life of me can't remember which one though.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:44
I second sarassiter... lot of construction works but excellent value for money. In a couple year, we will have more shops and landscaping... And then the prices will probably go up
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:21
It depends what you want really, if you're looking for a pure breed puppy, they're a lot harder to find at the rescue organizations. You can buy them in pet shops here, and you'd be spending around 10-15k for a puppy. I personally don't like the pet shops here, and don't like the fact that so many animals are in need of a home, so I would rather rescue one from say, K9 or the likes. But when you rescue from K9 you don't really get to choose a breed, especially if you want a puppy, they're mainly mixed breeds and would be medium-large size. If you are happy to go on a waiting list you could end up with a pure breed dog, say a yorkie or something similar, however I doubt puppies come up often. Also, contact people on dubizzle and suss them out for yourself, some people on there are genuine.
Ashleigh
89
Posts
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:09
Hi There, I just wanted to post, I had a reduction with Dr Tahir a few years back and I am really happy with it and with him. I spent a lot of time researching and chose Dr Tahir after a few consultations. My reduction was done really well, and I have minimal scarring. I do find it really scary reading all these responses though, and do wonder if I have such little scarring because my skin is really good at healing or something, although in my research I had actually gone to Dr Tahir based on recommendations from friends and family, so was pretty confident with my choice. I hope those of you who have had a bad experience are able to find a solution though, must be awful spending all that time and money to end up with bad results :(
Ashleigh
89
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 12:48
Fitness Beat in Tecom.
 
 
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