Babyrat | ExpatWoman.com
 

Babyrat

Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 23:14
When DD was small she didn't have a lot of hair and people always mistake her as a boy. Once we were in Ibn Buttuta Mall and someone said you have such a beautiful little boy - I wouldn't mind but she had a friggin pink dress on!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 22:45
DH and I really enjoy living here. We have a 3 year old DD as well so for us its perfect. To give you an idea of costs we have a three bed plus maids. Emicool is around 600 per month that is in the summer and in the winter we don't really have the air con on so it cost around 400 and thats including the service charge we pay. If you rent off Emirates NBD you will get a 24 hour maintenance contract included in your rental.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 00:27
If you live in AR you should take a look at Building Blocks in Motor City.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 23:14
My sister had a Sri Lankan maid and she paid her AED1800. Her household duties were cleaning, ironing etc. She didn't have to look after the kids or baby sit. One day off a week. Hours of work were 8 til 6.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 22:05
I didn't give my LO a pacifier until she was nearly 12 weeks old and she was fine with it. Saying that I've always had them close by and never wanted to use it but I came back to Dubai on my own and caved in!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 21:54
I agree with TillyK but the properties are not owned by Union Properties anymore they are owned by Emirates NBD. If you get a property from Emirates NBD you are guaranteed that all maintenance is included in your contract cause you will need it. I enjoy living here but every week something goes wrong in the apartment.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 21:42
and so they should name and shame them. My mum is too scared to leave her house because of these idiots!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 August 2011 - 21:40
Yes you can get a freelance visa from Media City. DH is a graphic designer and when I was enquiring for him it was something lilke 17,500AED just for the visa alone and then you have to take out a virtual workstation. www.dubaimediacity.com You will most probably have to call them to get more information as that is what I did. Yes you can sponsor your family on the visa but there are certain requirements which you have to meet depending on your situation.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 19:30
I have a small maids room. I think it is small but I have seen smaller! She has a wardrobe and a single bed in there but not much else. If she wanted a TV I would have had to mount it on the wall. Luckily for me she opted for internet connection!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 19:28
I do have mine but only cause she asked me to look after for her. Would I have asked probably not.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 22:58
There are temp vacancies out there it is not widely advertised. Not sure what kind of work you are looking for.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 23:04
And assuming your husband works as well... - Do you tell your maid when she can go on vacation (eg when you go on vacation)? - If you let her pick the dates and she goes away for a month, which agency would you recommend for wee ones (under a year)? Our maid's got a couple tweenagers and dh wants her to be able to spend her vacation with her kids, so he wants her to pick when she goes on vacation - I would too; but I'm worried I won't be able to find a caretaker/summer camp for one month during summer next year who will be able to take on a 3 year old and 6 month old... I have to tend to agree with your DH to a certain extent but it is a bit of give and take. Both DH and I work and we have to be granted holiday leave just like your maid. DH and I took a week off each to look after LO and the other two weeks the MIL came out to spend time with her grandchild.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 22:56
I have had three now. The first one came from recommendation and she turned out to be the worst. The other two have both come from the classified section. My best advice is to make sure that they have contactable references. I literally interviewed about 10 before some turn up. You also need a patience of a saint to go down this route. Anyone who dictated terms over the telephone was a no no was well for me. Good luck you will find someone.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 22:51
Yes it is true if you go through the correct channels ie., first time overseas from Sri Lanka. I do not believe it is 15 days though.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 August 2011 - 22:44
Just wanted to say good luck. I want to have it done as well but just not yet mustered the courage to do it. Good for you. x
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 15:14
Blossom Nursery offer four mornings a week. Timings are 8 til 1. The minimum you can sign them up for is 2 I think. Alot of the nurseries do pre schools. Children's Oasis is another nursery that does pre school as well.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 20:02
I was told that as well by my sister! So I never put the washing machine or dryer on during those times.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 19:56
Dr Hugo - British Dental Clinic, Al Wasl. No fuss, no nonsense and doesn't top you up with treatments you don't need. Been with him for 6 years. He's very professional, patient and a very nice chap to boot :) No. 04 342 1318 I recommend Dr Munif at the British Dental Clinic. The whole family sees him. For the working parents they are also opened on a Saturday.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 21:43
Really depends on the school. I've heard that Bredenton Prep has a maximum of 15 maybe less in their younger classes. DD is starting FS1 at Star International and they told me that the maximum class size is 20. We shall see.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 21:40
The only one I can think of is Blossoms in Umm Sequim but I am sure there are others.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 21:32
Just wanted an opinion... I went to a certain nursery recommended below on Thursday for a tour of the facility - was told to be there at 8.30am. The tour guide (who I later found out was also the manager) didnt bother to turn up until 8.45, and didnt even start the tour until 9.15, and acted as though this was the norm. Is this what I should expect from this nursery?!? Or was this just a case of a bad day? Was thinking of enrolling my child there, but now am leaning towards a different nursery. No it is not the norm.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 08:13
My method of driving, is that I just imagine every other road user is trying to kill me! So I go on the defensive. lol
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 18:59
yeah I do - I live just pottering around. Used to do it all time but a bit harder time with a LO in tow.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 18:57
Home made chicken nuggets/goujons Cut chicken breast into strips Dip in a beaten egg Dip in breadcrumbs (can add some parmesan to the breadcrumbs) Bake in oven Serve with broccoli and jacket potato I like - will do this tomorrow!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 18:54
How about somewhere like Cyprus. It's only 4 hours from here or Malta. Flights are direct with Emirates.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 18:45
The maid's contract is given by either the Labour Office or Immigration. I can't remember who does it but one of them does as we were given it for her to sign.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 13:07
Oh darn we'll miss you then. Please do sms me your number and I'll get in touch with you. x
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 08:51
I have to go back to work and starting a job at the end of the month. I totally understand where you come from. My biggest problem is getting DD back from nursery! The home help I have now used to work in the Springs and was a live out. She used to get two buses to and from work so you could potentially have a live out maid. I live in an apartment with a live in maid. DD has all her toys in her bedroom and takes them out of her bedroom as and when she wants to play with them. Everything is doable.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 23:49
DD just did a discovery ski lesson and it cost 140AED.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 21:41
It's a matter of personal choice. DD went to nursery at 18 months 3 days a week. I worked from home and didn't want her to be cared for full time by home help.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 21:35
Helsbells1, Maybe its landing into your junk email or something. I did once reply straight to your email. Anyway sms me and I'll call you back. I'm going to a play date for new starters on Monday. I think they were running two play dates either Monday or Wednesday but they have put me down for the Monday one. Are you going to go to any of them? x
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 09:40
Have a look at Victory Heights which is by Motorcity. It's not a completed development yet. An alternative if you don't find what you are looking for within your budget Motorcity apartments are nice. Shops, restaurants, largest Spinneys in Dubai all within walking distance. Lots of space outside for the kids to play in during the cooler months. Not an estate agent but I do like living here!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 09:32
Like Purple, if DH has the day off so does the homehelp!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 09:26
Helsbells1 I've just sent you another email. If all fails can you sms me your number and I'll try and contact you that way. Thanks - we will make contact somehow. <em>edited by Babyrat on 18/06/2011</em>
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 20:00
As already mentioned below the cost between agency and private sponsorship is marginal. The big difference is the responsibility factor. If you sponsor the maid yourself she is your responsibility come what may if the agency sponsors her it is their responsibility come what may. The come what may's do happen!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 20:59
I'm going back to work full time at the end of this month. DD is now 3. Yes I do feel massively guilty but what to do. I'm not so lucky to be in that position of not contributing to the household income anymore. Like another poster has already said its not the quantity of time its the quality of time that you spend with your child. Thats what keeping me going at the moment. My mum worked full time til she was 60 and raised 4 kids and it hasn't done us any harm as far as I can see. Hopefully I'm doing what I think is the best for DD and our family. x
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 20:42
The Address Hotel in Dubai Marina do a really nice brunch on a Saturday with bouncy castle to keep the kids occupied.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 09:44
bump up for helsbels 1
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 19:20
The maid we are settled on has her visa with another family. Her contract expires July 25. She had some ID from here , UAE Employment Visa (I think) maybe MEdical Card... and the date on it for expiry is August 14. When does her 30 days expire? Her 30 days starts when they cancel her visa which is in her passport.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 19:15
Voucher for driving a fast car on race track in motor city, massage, ifly,...more? Do you know the name of this place or website? Its Dubai Autodrome. I got DH one of those racing days. He loved the need for speed!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 19:12
We initially came for 2 years and four and a half years later I have to say I like it. Likewise at the moment we have no plans to move on.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 23:30
I would say The Gardens or Discovery Gardens by IBM.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 23:19
Hi guys, I am in the same dilemma. I have just started working again, and I need a nanny to come during the days, but I prefer not to have one living with me. The problem is, I would want a Muslim nanny. On working days only from 7 to 5. Does anyone have any idea where I can find this? I have contacted pretty much every single agency in Dubai, but to no avail... I would feel a lot better knowing my son is at home and not with his grandparents every day all day! I found my nanny on the classified section. She was happy to live out or in as long as I paid her. I opted for live in as the other two I had always lived out. My nanny has converted to Islam. She never mentioned this to me at the interview but to be honest as long as she can do the job it doesn't bother me what religion she is. So maybe you should put an add in either the classified section or www.backtobasicsuae.com stating that you are looking for a muslim nanny and non-muslim's need not apply. If non-muslims do call you then you know that they don't have attention to detail and cross them off your list.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 23:10
I just met a gal from the Philippines yesterday... here on a Visit Visa trying to get Sponsored in with employment. How do these ladies ladies make it to Dubai? edited by DlnAces21 on 05/06/2011 Their relatives sponsored them to come on visit visa. It's very common even though the Philippines govt is making it more expensive and stricter these days for them to do so. And of course some of them used agency. My sister once hired a maid on a visit visa. The maid came round with her "cousin". After my sister took the maid on and sponsored her, the maid told us that the "cousin" wasn't really related to her at all. This cousin arranges visa, flights and even lines up job interviews all for a hefty fee. The cousin actually works as a maid in the Springs and this is her side line job!
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 23:05
My agency maid is finished her contract (3 yrs) on June 16th. She has found 3 families that have wanted to sponsor her and everytime they call her manager the lady brushes them off and ignores them to the point that after 3 or 4 times, they just give up...exactly what her plan is I suspect. Does anyone know what happens on Thursday when her contract runs out? Does she have 30 days to leave? The company wants her to resign with them for another 3 years but her salary even after 3 years is only 935 dhs, she started at 700. She really is a gem and a great helper. She has asked for my help but I am not sure what I can do for her. She asked me could I call her manager and ask her to be released to me after her contract and then she would find employment herself. It's such a sin cause she really is one of the "good ones" and because her manager does not want to let her go, she is making it difficult for her. Once her Contract has finished she will have 30 days to find another sponsor but it is also the Agency's responsibility to send her home. If the Agency won't give her a release there isn't much you can do for her.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 23:00
It's the same in Fujairah. We paid around 8000 in total for maid's one year visa including the non-refundable deposit. I do believe in Dubai you get something back but I'm not sure.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 21:30
Blossom Nursery is in Umm Suqueim.
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 22:10
Helsbels1, I've just replied to your email so can you let me know if you have received it. Thanks
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 22:48
I've just sent you another email from my work email address. If you don't receive it. This is my email address [email protected]. Thanks
Babyrat
656
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 12:23
Helsbels1 I've sent you an email. You can delete yours now. Many thanks.
 
 
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