Asti | ExpatWoman.com
 

Asti

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Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 20:45
ok so i asked.. and apparently he has a UAE one.. sorry but he said the only way to get a US paypal is if you have an address there and a credit card that matches that address.. I have a PayPal account that uses my US Shop & Ship address, but is linked to my UAE and UK payment cards. I set it up about 6 years ago, though, so maybe they're stricter on that sort of thing now. Have you tried to do it and it definitely didn't work? Mine is also linked to my UAE CC Cards and works great. I also opened my account back when S&S started. Lol!
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Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 20:39
Try beginning Feb 2014 to apply for DESS FS1 Sept2015 ;)
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Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 20:38
All you know right now is all based on hearsay and speculation. Until a real issue actually exists that you know about for a fact, I would not stir the pot.
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Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 20:35
Deans Trading Supermarket. Close to the Spinneys on the corner in Oud Metha. Nearby Lamcy.
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Latest post on 01 December 2013 - 16:05
Another alternative is to hire a maid that will look after your son at your own home until you feel your son is ready for long hours at a nursery of your choosing. That is what most mums do here in Dubai.
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Latest post on 01 December 2013 - 10:16
It will blow over once they realize no one is making money. Its just another real estate bubble. Unfortunately people whose contracts are ending or being renewed this time of the year will be the victims. It will probably last a few months though as there are always Dubai newbies giving in to the ridiculous prices asked.
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Latest post on 01 December 2013 - 10:12
You might be eating your cousin! http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2515969/Humans-evolved-female-chimpanzee-mated-***-Extraordinary-claim-American-geneticist.html The human species began as the hybrid offspring of a male *** and a female chimpanzee, a leading geneticist has suggested. The startling claim has been made by Eugene McCarthy, of the University of Georgia, who is also one of the worlds leading authorities on hybridisation in animals. He points out that while humans have many features in common with chimps, we also have a large number of distinguishing characteristics not found in any other primates. I prefer my cousin to be crispy crackling on the outside. Yum Yum!
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Latest post on 30 November 2013 - 22:49
ACE hardware sells them.
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Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 22:40
Regardless of which airline is better than the other, we are all spoilt for choice here in UAE. Just fly any US airline and you will understand what the words 'rip off' and 'terrible service' means. At least we dont have to pay for a pillow or headset. Inflight entertainment is expected,not an extra that you sometimes get. We dont pay to check-in suitcases and get charged per pound in addition to our ticket prices (we only pay for excess luggage). We do not have to pay extra for inflight meals and drinks. We even get nice refreshing towels before take-off and menus. Toys for kids etc. List goes on and I will never ever complain again. Lol!
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Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 07:30
What would you expect your 3 year old to be doing at nursery? I feel like we don't get much feedback. My son was brilliant with numbers and his alphabet and knew them from a very early age. Now he seems to struggle and mixes some up. Is it normal to regress at this stage? 3year olds should be learning through playing. Childhood is so short and I have noticed in Dubai people push their children very hard to do well academically even before their are out of diapers. Its nice to want your child to do well but let them be children first.
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Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 07:23
If it's a crockpot recipe, I just use the liquid ranch dressing. Me too. Works great!
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Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 07:22
Dont worry. Nobody cares anymore. So many mixed marriages and couples in Dubai. If it was in Saudi it would be a problem but UAE is a tourist destination so it wont be a problem.
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Latest post on 29 November 2013 - 03:13
We have 10 days off over christmas and we are not visiting family. Just going on a relaxing holiday to Phuket. :)
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 22:53
Yes. All schools in UAE closed tomorrow.
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 03:07
I am gobsmacked to read that some females think its okay that the husband doesnt tell his wife about loans he gives behind his wife's back just because they have separate accounts! When your married you have to have open communication about your finances. Whether it will create tension or not. YOu are married not dating. There should always be open cards with regards to money. If you are going to be secretive about finances what other little secrets are being kept too? OP is right for feeling upset. Have a talk with your DH. Its not acceptable.
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Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 18:37
Thanks!
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Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 17:22
I know quite a few people in Dubai who will end up 'no better than a tea boy'. Living way above their means.
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Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 17:15
It is not allowed to travel on your own with 3 infants. Appletiser is correct that you need one more adult and have a seat for the 18 month old. I am filled with admiration that you would even contemplate travelling with 3 infants! edited by Fiat500 on 22/11/2013 I agree. 3 babies 1 mother? No way that would be allowed. I admire and feel sorry for you at the same time. Lol!
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Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 13:40
You gain weight faster with the second baby. Dont worry. I gained 21kgs with each of my pregnancy. Lost 7kgs right after delivery (I actually had a weighing scale in my bathroom,lol!) and the rest I lost the old fashioned dieting way. Took me about six months as I was not racing and I was breastfeeding too.
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Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 13:35
From the government website: Do keep in mind that each country has its own regulations regarding minimum salary, age etc and you will have to check with the respective consulate embassy for these details. [b'>A maid from India or Philippines must be older than 30, but not over 60.[/b'> Even recommended minimum salaries differ, with Indian maids to be paid from AED 1,100 onwards (see update), as advised by the Indian Embassy, while new regulations from the Philippines say the minimum salary should be AED 1,400. As per the Sri Lankan embassy, the minimum salary for Sri Lankan maids is AED 825. See update. The minimum salary for Indonesian maids is AED 800 and from Bangladesh, it is AED 750. Please note that these are minimum recommendations from governments, but there's nothing stopping you from paying more than the minimum wage.
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Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 13:31
Hmmm....not happy about this. Now I'm never going to get rid of MIL! Hehe!
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Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 13:04
Morning I saw on FB (Dubai School Guide site) that English College Primary is closing. Is this true or a vicious Dubai rumour? I heard it this morning on the radio too. The principal confirmed it. I was gobsmacked. Its such a good school too. What a waste and the KHDA doesn't seem to want to help which makes me think they might have other motives...... Why else wouldnt you want to save a school? Principal said the school is running at a loss and not making profit currently and KHDA refused their request for price increase. <em>edited by Asti on 20/11/2013</em>
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Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 12:57
Those are the two oldest threats in the book here in Dubai. Saying my 'brother/father is in the police force....' and the other one that they also love to use is 'I know Sheikh ...... and he will kick you out'. You will hear it a lot! Just laugh it off because even by some chance if it is true, I highly doubt royals or police have time for little landlord issues.
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 15:20
Just write it off as a lesson learned and starting looking for a proper school where your daughter will be academically challenged. She has her whole life to learn religion so dont prioritize it above academics. I would start tomorrow if I were you before the KHDA cutoff date. Best of luck and dont feel too bad.
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 15:13
Personally, I would opt for Penang....and not just because I am a Penangite. I think you will have more things to do there.....Adventure Zone, Penang Natural Park, Butterfly Farm, Botanical garden, ferry ride, Penang Hill, tour to the temples, etc. The food in Penang are also a much much better option and a lot cheaper and tastier. If you stay at Parkroyal Penang Resort, they have kids' club and horse riding. Anyway, even if it rains in Penang.....you can still step out. You had me at horse riding! Penang it is! Thanks. :) My DH is a foodie so hoping to sample some yummy local food. ;)
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 14:59
Why would you want to place your child in a school that is not academically good? That is what school is for! She can learn religion from family members or at the mosque. Those little brat are not going to change as they think they are better than her as she is from a mixed background. Sounds like she would be better off at an international school.
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 14:55
I was told the wet season is on the east coast in December....
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 08:22
Good morning ladies Well i start to prepare a list for my DD's birthday will turn 6 years ensha ALLAH But the most important thing is the place !!! Where can i do this birthday ? ( we have a lot of friends and her friends in the school, so it's not for kids only but there is adults too ) For that i need place cheapper , and i will arrange everything Her birthday will be in January , it's not good weather to do it outdoor Any suggestions , ideas and help :) Thanks January has great weather! Not too hot and not too cold. Perfect for park parties especially if there are a lot of people coming. Buy a few pizzas,cooldrink and water. Put up a few balloons and there you have it.
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 08:17
Ooh I wish I didnt see this thread! I am already planning what I want to buy! Lol! Hope make-up is on sale too...
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 08:14
If you want to spend a little more get yourself a salon professional hairdryer. GHD does really good hairdryers and it is also has a dual adapter meaning you can use it in any country in the world regardless of voltage. They ship to Dubai for free as well. Mine only took a week to arrive. http://www.ghdhair.com/hair-dryers/ghd-air?PID=PRO-025&CRE=ghd_air&PLA=3&TYPE=Hair_dryers_sub_level Their hairdryers come with 2 concentrator nozzles ;) <em>edited by Asti on 19/11/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 17:12
As mentioned below....he can raise rent but only upto a max of 5%. Defnitely not 20%.
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 14:31
you could try sugaholic if u want a buttercream icing cake but with some fondant characters or letters on top... i think they charge around 110 onwards per kg or else even park n shop do some nice iced cakes! My last cake from park and shop was not tasty at all. Lots of gross cream that tasted weird. Could barely stomach one slice.
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 14:27
I have stayed in both. With a child I would defnitely say Swissotel. Book a twin room (you get two double beds in the room even though they call it 'single beds'). The pool area is very child friendly and staff are very accommodating towards them. The speedtrain is downstairs in the basement connected to the hotel and mall so easy for going around Singapore. Nice foodcourt at the basement of Raffles mall if you dont want to eat in hotel and the breakfasts there is also fab. Intercontinental is lovely too. Very luxurious and next to a shopping area too however the train station is not direct close to it like Swissotel. Rooms smaller too.
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 18:20
Dont believe everything your read in Daily Mail. They seem to have an article about Dubai on a weekly basis it seems. Dont know why they are so obsessed.
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 18:07
Try any of the Rotana hotels. They have quite a few new ones too. The one near Al Ghurair shopping mall is very nice. http://www.rotana.com/rayhaanhotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/dubai/alghurairrayhaanbyrotana/meetingsandevents
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 13:39
I wouldnt go to malls (that are currently packed with tourists) however there is nothing wrong with going for a walk outside and enjoying the cooler weather. Your 3 yr old would enjoy the walk outside too.
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 13:37
I want proper rain. Not the five seconds of raindrops that we usually get.
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 13:29
Going for HSG is the more sensible thing to do otherwise you are just wasting your time with Clomid. When last were you and your DH on a holiday? A year is not that long. All my friends who struggled to get pregnant at first got pregnant on beach holidays. Sun,sea and relaxation ;)
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 11:20
Thanks. :) Now to get an appointment...
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Latest post on 17 November 2013 - 11:19
Increase your liquid intake dramatically. No pill will work if your body is dehydrated. This happened to my husband as well.
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Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 16:26
Strange.... I have had plenty of great Indian takeaways at various places in Dubai. Didnt know that some people actually struggle to find good takeaways. Lol!
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Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 13:44
Perhaps leave them both off the christmas card list for this year? If they divorced this year it is all very new and emotions very raw. To be honest I am surprized people actuallystill send christmas cards. I always just get e-cards. Lol! Maybe just e-card them both via their separate email accounts and send the actual christmas cards to your other friends and family? <em>edited by Asti on 13/11/2013</em>
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Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 13:32
Go buy breakfast at Lime Tree Cafe and head off to the beach for a breakfast picnic. Strangely in Dubai there are not a lot of restaurants directly opposite the beach. JBR used to be nice but now there is construction everywhere closing up all the beach view and the traffic (and layout of the roads) is an annoying nightmare so we avoid that part of town now.
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Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 13:26
Go look at pet shops. Someone might of taken him there and tried to sell him.
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Latest post on 09 November 2013 - 13:24
Good on you for reading your contract properly. The RC will put him right into his place. I'm guessing your LL was hoping you would just scan read the contract and sign it.
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 19:07
What about a chemical peel? It removes all acne scarring but takes a while to heal so better to do one over the holidays.
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 18:54
My 3 year old only wants to eat pasta for lunch and dinner she has cereal and toast or egg for breakfast, eats lots of fruit with every meal, all kinds of fruit but for lunch and dinner all she ever wants or will eat is plain pasta with a tiny bit of butter and cheese?? Should i be worried or just feed her pasta to keep her happy? Her eating is fine. She is still discovering what she likes and at that age they tend to get stuck on a type of food they really like for quite some time. Dont worry.
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 18:51
I think its a phase and it will pass. My son is this age and he thinks girls are gross. Lol! Just tell her to go to the teacher immediately next time he kisses her. She can tell him to stop it. He is probably just being cheeky.
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 16:31
Can anyone recommend a place where martial arts is offered to small kids? The few places I have found all have classes at nighttime (for kids!) which I found very strange. Anything on weekends or normal hours during the daylight hours. Thanks.
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 13:11
Koton is the same as Forever 21. You get good stuff and bad stuff. Just check the quality before buying and try it on as sometimes the cut is strange in some areas.