Asti | ExpatWoman.com
 

Asti

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Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 20:25
Net a porter have an outlet store called the outnet lots of good discounts. My wardrobe Matches fashion Shopbop or style bop I order from all these they all deliver globally Does SHOPBOP sells authentic bags? I saw few from Michael Kors, that are way much cheaper than here, and I saw that its written- Imported, Indonesia, so I just wanted to be sure if it is genuine. Michael Kors is highly overpriced here in UAE. My DH bought me several items in New York in Fifth Avenue for a fraction of the price of what it is being sold here. I really dont understand the high mark up here. A lot of their 'latest 'stuff is also actually older stock and many of the new season items never even makes it to Dubai.
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Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 20:21
Buy a Wifi Repeater from Etisalat for dhs199. Plug it in upstairs and you have strong wifi immediately.
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Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 13:44
Depends on the individual. There is a mum in our youngest childs class who had her first one at 42 and she struggles to keep up. Always late for school,forgets everything and looks tired in general. She even admitted that she doesnt take her child to school when she just cant get up in the mornings!The child also has behaviour issues at school.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 22:02
Aga Khan Nursery in Oud Metha. Very good. Spacious and clean. Lovely teachers.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 21:54
The had a conference recently in Dubai. Loads of Nu Skin reps walking around in the malls. MIL was a rep for them for a while and I still have the products. I think it is good marketing. Thats all. Nothing that an affordable jar of Oil of Olay cant do just as well. Their face scrub is quite nice though but you get great scrubs everywhere.
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Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 21:45
Hi. Thanks everyone for the replies. ET1975 I read the contract this morning and understand as per your answer she is due 1 month holiday with ticket at contract completion and have no problem with this. We only renewed her visa 3 months ago and she said she wanted the money for airfare / holiday pay NOW as has financial problems. She doesn't want to wait until contract end. As we have a pet she usually goes away while we are here and returns when we go on our annual leave for 8 weeks. Her workload is very light and to be honest we look forward to the space when she goes away (not meaning to be awful). I just feel a little stunned at the way it's all be demanded rather than requested. I wanted to know whether it was a legal requirement to pay salary x 2 + ticket when she asked not to go, not us. thanks again all. Not a legal requirement. She can get one salary as per normal and her ticket amount or ticket itself. That is it. Anything else is up to you and your own discretion. No company gives two months salary and a ticket amount to their employees so I dont know why some people think its normal for maids.
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 21:52
I recommend Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City. I second them. They are very good with children and they are honest too. They wont make up things just to get more money out of you like some other opticians...
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 20:05
Summer camps. Indoor play areas at malls Visit relatives or friends who are still in Dubai (it will be few but it can be done). Watch movies. Do arts and crafts at home.
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 20:00
We did it as our LL decreased our rent. We just took a copy of our rental contract to a DEWA office and they fixed it. It was fast and easy.
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 19:59
Anybody knows about any hair cutting ladies saloon in palm jumeirah? edited by Mariadxb on 18/05/2014 Ted Morgan Hair salon on the Palm comes highly recommended.
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Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 19:58
I know I prob sound really selfish and stuff but i just don't like th idea of working for a company that goes back on their agreements after staff start working for them Errr...sorry to break the news to you but most companies in UAE do this.
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Latest post on 17 May 2014 - 13:12
If you cant find it then just mix regular vicks with some vaseline to lower the strength. I highly doubt you will find baby vicks in Dubai.
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Latest post on 17 May 2014 - 13:10
You are not depressed. You are overwhelmed and overworked! You havent had time to bond as a family since your new baby came as all other family unpacked on your doorstep with their health issues etc. I suggest to book a weekend away for just the four of you. Have fun and relax as a family. You will see you will feel so much better if you just take a few days away (perhaps Fujairah or RAK) and regroup as a family unit.
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 20:43
Hairdressers in Dubai cant cut a fringe. I have tried many salons for this and no one could do it right. Its like a foreign concept or something. Best fringe cut I ever had was one I did myself by watching youtube. Second best one was from a hairdresser at Salon Ink called Ali.
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 20:37
Not true. You dont need 2 bedrooms for family only for a maid and there is even loopholes around that....
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 20:35
Amazon.com sells teeth peroxide and gum shields. They are at different strengths and since you want results soon best just to get the strongest percentage. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st_review-rank?keywords=teeth+whitening+kit&qid=1399998648&rh=n%3A3760901%2Ck%3Ateeth+whitening+kit&sort=review-rank
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Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 20:24
Its the norm I'm afraid. Also annoyed me tremendously when my kids were starting to learn that I have to pay so much for a few minutes of attention but thats Dubai for you. Its all about the money.
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Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 10:33
Cant go wrong with JIN. They have always been consistently good.
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Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 10:32
Dear Emirates Airline I am writing to feedback on the amount of business you are losing from the non EK expat community due to your arrogant strategy of inflating flight prices beyond any reasonable level As a recent UK expat to Dubai who will be here for a minimum of 5 years and who will fly home at least 8 times in the year it is clear that I will be forced to use BA and other airlines who recognise that retaining a reasonable price level will retain frequent flyer loyalty. Your flight pricing has almost doubled from last year and your new tax/ fees structure for Skywards is also costing you business as the measly discount you get for loyally collecting Skywards points is not worth using anymore In addition the service you presumably use as justification for inflated pricing is no longer there. I hear complaints of delayed refreshments (especially basic water supplies) and surly staff are become more commonplace This is not only my opinion I speak to many expats in this community and can prove how many are using alternative airlines Be warned Arrogance doesn't pay Know your customer!! edited by Daisy111 on 10/05/2014 They have plenty of super loyal fliers that will always fill up their seats. A few lost here and there is normal in the airline business. BA staff is 10 times more surly than EK. At least EK is better looking than the surly pensioner crew on BA.
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Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 00:04
I have flown them a few times. Good cheap airline. No frills. You pay for your meals and drinks onboard and you can also pre-order a main meal when you buy a ticket. I had no problems. Actually found their seats very comfy and they have good legroom. They have no inflight entertainment so tell your maid to pack something to occupy her to read or watch. I have only done short flights with them though. Never an 8 hour flight.
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Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 23:51
She will be the funny story you can tell your kids when you look at wedding photos with them one day. One day it will be funny. Trust me. Let it go. You invited her and she is all booked and ready to celebrate with you.
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Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 17:46
I took my 3yr old and 5yr old to Sentosa in Singapore and they had so much fun at Universal studios and at the waterpark. Also the zoo in Singapore is AMAZING!!! <em>edited by Asti on 24/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 24 March 2014 - 17:42
Most expats have health insurance and go to the private clinics or hospitals for check ups. There are people who go to Rashid as its a lot cheaper. The doctors there are mostly arab.
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 17:35
Reminds me of the time I suggested an after-work-get-together to colleagues for DH's birthday (not DH yet) at the pub next door to our office. Only once we arrived some members of the party were most shocked that I was not paying for all their food and drink, with one even telling me that as I had 'invited' everyone it was assumed I was paying for everything - I could just about scrape enough together for a few bags of crisps :\: until one kind gent stepped in and paid for snacks for everyone! Those colleagues clearly need a lobotomy. They should be ashamed to think someone would pay for all their drinks and food just for inviting them along. Some people just have no class.
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 17:30
Thank you all for your input, so many of you have been through similar experiences and others offer valuable points of view and perspective which is helpful. This recent affair lasted for a few months, I've spoken with the other woman and she didn't know DH was married and was upset herself with him. Our children are all under 12 years with the youngest 7. I put on a good show in front of them and our family and friends, even sometimes with DH if we're out alone. I know that only I can decide what to do and although he swears he won't do it again I remember him saying this to me when I caught him 4 years ago with having an affair for one year. Thanks again and wish you all well x Wow...you took back a man who cheated on you for a year with another woman and then cheated again for a few months with a new woman and those are the ones you only know off?!!! You must be dying inside with pain. Look after yourself now. You know the answer to your question. You just need to take a bold step in that direction. Good luck.
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 17:21
I have been to many park parties and have always paid our own admission fee. I dont see what the big deal is. Nothing wrong with it. IF for some strange reason there is a person who is 'offended' then you know not to invite them next time as they are clearly the wrong type of people to be acquainted with. I have never come across a person who was offended or heard of it.
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 00:17
She has to check with the university she is studying at if they offer financial aid or they offer bursaries. They are the only ones that will be able to help. There is not much financial help for university students in Dubai.
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Latest post on 23 March 2014 - 00:13
Yes its been popular for quite some time. Nail Spa does Bee sting/venom facials. It was dhs500 last time I checked.
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Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 17:41
Why would you take your kids out of a school where they are doing well and have friends just because you suspect another school is better? There will always be bigger and better but that doesnt mean you have to traumatize your children just to 'keep up with the Jones's'. Its really a terrible Dubai syndrome. Bigger,better,faster,higher,more expensive.... Let your children stay where they are if you are happy with their schooling. Keep your feet on the ground.
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Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 17:35
Try Lifeworks. They have a positive parenting workshop that teaches parents how to discipline their children the right way. http://www.counsellingdubai.com/parenting-with-positive-discipline.html
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Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 10:39
I have a 4 year old. Unruly behaviour is normal. Part of the growth. Just stick to your guns and keep following what you are doing. Results will come with consistency. Also at this age they tend to listen more to their dads as they admire them so he needs to step up and help with disciplining. Good luck.
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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 07:39
Plenty of kids off at school with the same stuff. Its the change of season. We are all down with flu in this household. Drinking fluids and going through tissue supply.
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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 07:36
Yip the final countdown to the torturous summer has started.... Today looks nice so make most of it.
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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 07:35
I wouldnt put it past them. Also refilling the professional shampoo and conditioner bottles with cheaper products. You just never know. With nail polish I also think if its past expiry then it doesn't apply as nice and is quite streaky.
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Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 16:15
Most pharmacies sell insoles.
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Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 16:12
You will not find a nursery that starts later as they cater to working parents too. What you can do is choose a nursery of your choice and ask if you can bring your child later and maybe work out something with them. A lot of kids come late to the nursery in the mornings anyways so the nursery timings are not black and white as they all understand babies and toddlers are different than school going kids.
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 21:16
Thank you seems clear that article 52.2 states parents cannot be forced to pay fees in advance of each term why then are most schools asking for fees up to 6 months in advance ? Schools are forced to do this as there are many families who do not to return to Dubai after summer holidays and they inform the schools at the very last minute. If families have already decided to move then they should inform schools immediately so that people who are wait listed can get into their school of choice. By charging people in advance it has proven that this happens a lot less often.
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 21:01
I also had a shy son that was the youngest in his class in the big school. Looking back I would of held him behind a year to mature more emotionally. He has since blossomed and is doing great at school but it would of been so much easier for him if he was one of the older boys in class instead of youngest.
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 09:16
There is no template for a NOC. Just let your husband type his full name, date of birth, passport number and write that he gives permission, then sign the paper and also attach a copy of his passport to the NOC letter typed. Perhaps also add his telephone number to the NOC just to have all areas covered. <em>edited by Asti on 11/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 08:45
I need help! My 3 kids are in WSO. The school is close to our house, we ride our bike every morning, and the kids have friends and are happy there, but, I am not sure about the school, they don t have enough homeworks and nobady check their homewors, my son in year 6 never bring a reading book ..to many kids!!! There is not enough space for them, and now we have a new building, but yesterday the school sent and email saying that they are expecting 2500 students in secundary!! Is impossible to manage a school with 4000 students. I am thinking in DESS and DESC for my kids, but I am not sure...we came to Dubai 2 years ago, my kids had a big change in their lives, and now, thininking in a new change...I don't know what to do! help please!!! Your children are happy and settled. Do you really want to change schools just because of lack of homework? Be proactive. Go to the class teacher and ask her why no reading books/homework are sent home? Dont take a drastic step such as changing schools over something that can be discussed with a teacher in a few minutes. Perhaps they do plenty of reading in the class already. <em>edited by Asti on 11/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 17:11
Is IB curriculum then almost similar to US curriculum? I heard US curriculum is very good for secondary and British is best for primary....
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 17:08
Which brand did you get from Boots? Im also looking for a clarifying shampoo that doesnt cost the earth but does the job.
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Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 17:06
Plenty of them in Deira in those discount hypermarkets and gift centres. Some are even covered with fake gems too. Wide variety and super cheap.
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Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 14:29
Dont blame yourself. Its nature. Feel blessed as you have a proper doctor and good medical facilities available to you. Your baby will come into the world and all those other things will not matter anymore. I had an emergency c-section with my second one and cried whilst in the operating room! Lol! Looking back it must of been pregnancy hormones. All that is important is that they come into the world one way or another and be healthy.
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Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 14:21
Just a warning...it eats up credit like nobody's business. I think its a rip off to be honest. You will be recharging constantly even though you only use it a little.
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Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 14:18
The defence lawyer is a rude man intimidating witnesses and taking high risks - giving out phone numbers? Telling the first female witness that she was mistaken as another witness who was a male radiologist said something different ? Going on about how R could not have screamed due to the extensive brain damage she had? He is a risk taker for sure - lucky he doesn't have a jury to contend with.. Defence lawyers are supposed to confuse witnesses and try to discredit them. That is how they get their clients a 'not guilty' verdict when all evidence is stacked against them. He is doing a brilliant job and I dont think he is rude. He is doing what he is paid very well to do.
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 20:56
Wow,that is expensive. A few years ago they were only charging dhs500...
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 20:55
I feel like we are paying a ridiculous amount of money for a worse education than they had in the UK. Sorry but this is kind of normal for this part of the world. Schools look glossy on the outside but inside not that impressive performance wise. There are a few good schools though.
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 17:15
The Korean beauty salon opposite Lamcy's Plaza in Oud Metha is known for their good digital perms in Dubai for many years. They have a website and are located inside an apartment block.
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Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 19:48
Hard Rock cafe. Good food, good atmosphere, live music.