barlas | ExpatWoman.com
 

barlas

barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2014 - 19:56
Thank you DivineBeet.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2014 - 16:04
That was a great advice Loopy Lotti Could you please tell how long it took you to find the maid after you placed an ad? I decided to go your route (asked to write me email only) but after 2 days I have only 6 mails and hardly any decent ones.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2014 - 10:13
Thank you, ladies. I will obviously do whatever is good for the baby, in the first place. Cutting on sugar is not a big deal for me. I was curious why such a mild form of diabetes made my ob/gyn worry. At the end of the day, she is the doctor and I am a patient, so will stick to her recommendations, especially if this will help to keep the weight at healthy level. Thanks again!
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 09:44
I also dream a lot (sometimes I realize I actually slept because I would remember I was dreaming :) because I have sleeping problems). But I just don't really pay attention to the dreams and tend to forget them. As long as you feel rested after your sleep, I think, you shouldn't worry about that
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 20:24
Thanks ladies, I wish I asked the question before visiting Dragon Mart. I hope they will still be looking good after a year, in which case I would not regret the price. The fabric I chose looks very noble and pretty and nicely matches all the new furniture I am buying for the new apartment. But lesson learned ;)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 14:36
Another friend ordered somewhere else in Dubai and she said she paid 4000 USD for similar size apartment but using European fabric, and mine is 7200 Dirhams, which is half of her price, and was hoping I had a good deal. Damn it :)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 14:07
the prices at Dragonmart for curtains are subject to many factors: - the material you choose (if you pick ones from those hanging in the store which are mostly chinese fabrics they tend to be cheaper than the ones that you pick out of their books) - the location of the store (the stores on the main aisle tend to be more expensive than the stores further back) - the fabric itself (the thread count, etc.) - the type of hanging (eyelet type is more expensive than the three/two pin type) - the width/height of your curtains (if your curtain requires a double width cloth or more it can affect the price as they would need to stitch two parts together) - blackouts (this is pretty much the same as having to stitch another curtain so can be expensive... would be cheaper to just buy a darker, thicker fabric for your main curtain) i have purchased my curtains from Dragonmart from their regular hanging selection and i did two large living room windows (roughly 260cms by 220cms), two medium sized bedroom windows (roughly 180cms by 220cms) and one extra large bedroom window (500cms by 220cms) with blackouts on two of medium sized bedroom ones for a total of AED 2000/-... this was earlier this year Apparently the fabric I chose wasn't the cheapest in the store. The main curtains fabric was Turkish and chiffon was Korean. I believe this was the main cost driver in my case Plus my living room window is 5 m wide and master bedroom window is 3.5 m wide.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 13:44
I checked EW and few friends and Dragon Mart was named as the most affordable place for curtains. Few friends said it would be around 500-700 Dhs per window on average. Today I visited the place and checked what they have and after calculations it turned out to be 1200 Dhs per window (this is roughly total amount divided by number of windows - this is for a 3-bed apt and also includes cotton black-out, chiffon and installation). So my question to those who ordered their curtains in Dragon Mart: is this price reasonable? Or my friends' estimates were wrong or outdated? And how much did you pay for your curtains (including installation and everything)? TIA
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2014 - 14:23
It is optional. It is not directly covered by insurance but can be claimed back, which we did. We had this vaccination at the beginning of this school year and no side effects
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2014 - 14:14
I'm not fond of chocolate cakes, but this one in Gateaux which is in Dubai Marina opposite JBR is really something. It is called Devil's Chocholate cake and it is devilishly seducing
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 October 2014 - 14:10
Absolutely not awkward. I did it few times when DS was at school, DH was on business trip. It was morning shows though with almost nobody around
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 19:47
Did you guys know that you can thumb up/down your own posts! This is kinda .... weird. But anyway, why bother with someone's thumb ups/downs, we are here to seek advise, share opinion (speaking for myself though)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 19:39
Single seater experience Audi r8 experience Check Dubai Autodrome site, they have some good gift packages
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 09:23
Our counselor at school says "if I am late to work because of traffic, parking and traffic violence, etc, it is only myself I should blame - I should have left home earlier, which was under my control, the rest is not under my control, so why should I feel mad about it, I can only be mad at myself for not moving my a$$ earlier" :) i always leave the house at the time i did today, and i always reach on time :) the rest was really not in my hands. i am sure we all have that one morning when everything goes wrong. Sorry about that anyway. Have a great day (the rest of the day, I mean) :)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 09:18
Agents get lazy and greedy over time. Try to interest him/her with remuneration, say 1000Dhs if you get our deposit back, you might be surprised how active he/she can get.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2014 - 09:11
Our counselor at school says "if I am late to work because of traffic, parking and traffic violence, etc, it is only myself I should blame - I should have left home earlier, which was under my control, the rest is not under my control, so why should I feel mad about it, I can only be mad at myself for not moving my a$$ earlier" :)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2014 - 16:12
Can anyone recommend a good pediatrician in Al Zahra hospital in Al Barsha? Our pediatrician has left Dubai :( and I was looking for some good ones not far from home and working in a big clinic/hospital with all the labs/equipments. Alternatively can you suggest anyone who would be not far from Dubai Marina?
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 14:15
Why don't you do an allergy skin test and find out what are the other things than dust you might be allergic to? Even in a clean and well-maintained houses, there might be something that causes allergy. My son started sneezing a lot and had itchy eyes we did this test and it turned out he was allergic to dust mites. And there is a whole bunch of things you need to do keep those mites not too active (like laundry bed linen often at hight temp, mattress and pillow protectors, synthetic pillows and duvets, etc)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 14:07
I was about the park my car near gym, when some guy drove in fast from behind and started parking on that only spot I was targeting. I came out of my car, walked to him and told him about my intention and he happily left the place. But before I reached my car again another guy who was observing everything I was doing drove in and started parking his car (and attention! I have a baby bump) and I honked to remind him of myself, to which he came out of the car and started shouting at me "what? I am not stupid like you". I was simply speechless. What he did as a driver was rude but shouting at a pregnant woman and calling her stupid - what is it?
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2014 - 18:00
We visit SGH only to see our pediatrician. Other departments is such a mess, especially Emergency. Story 1. My son broke his arm in school and we rushed him to the hospital (SGH), they put a cast around his arm, but apparently were supposed to take another x-ray to check if the bones were fixed right, which they didn't. And when we came for follow up visit with the ortho doc there, it turned out that bone wasn't fixed correctly and displaced and started healing/growing back with an angle. As a result we had to do operation on my DS's arm (then only 5 years old) on a New Year eve to fix the bone! Story 2. My DH had very bad headache and was shivering and had high blood pressure and when we went there, doctor (internist) said go and buy a pill to lower his BP. After keeping him for 2 hours and not helping to reduce his symptoms, they just suggested to go and see the neurologist. Story 3. A friends hubby went to Emergency with acute abdominal pain. It took them 5 hours to do all the analysis and even after 5 hours they were not ready. So they went back home and returned few hours later to find out he had appendicitis (in our country they found this out within an hour with all the examination and blood/urine tests, USSs). These are all stories from patients, which may not say anything factual about working environment. But may indirectly indicate what is the culture like if there are so many pitfalls.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 10:02
For your elder child there is an option of pre-school Russian classes run by few Russian centers. That's option 1. Option 2 would be to get/employ a Russian-speaking maid and/or nanny or a tutor - there are plenty of them (as someone suggested check classified section in chatru dot com or post your own with your preferences).
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 09:50
I think it is manageable as long as your accommodation expenses are covered... or you live in a remote area where you would need to spare another 5-6k/month for apartment and you have medical insurance. The rest is manageable. I know people living in a 10k/month salary with similar size of the family - of course, eating only at home, clothes bought on sale and from affordable brands.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 14:42
Hi Katelyn, Thank you very much!
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 21:36
Katelyn, Can you please share how much these companies are quoting for their work (and for how many bedrooms)? Will be needing such service in a month time as we'll be moving and this is the first thing I want to do in the new apartment. TIA
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 21:22
This is absolutely normal. My son's two lower frontal teeth were removed by dentist as they were not yet wiggly and those adult ones started growing with an angle, which looked not nice. So by removing milk teeth, we created enough space for other teeth to straighten up by themselves.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 21:08
Thanks for the feedback. Beebers: What do you think of bodyworx? I felt they didn't have enough classes. Have you heard of Studio Fitness? Studio Fitness is closed. Not sure if for good or temporary. (went there to check if they had prenatal classes just the other day)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 20:50
Hi ladies, I have finally made it in here, has taken me ages to feel up to it!! I am expecting my second on 12th. Feb. We have a 2.5yo princess and now expecting a boy :-) We are with City Hospital, Dr Ibrahim, just like with our first. No complaints about him or the city hospital experience. We live in JVC so it is a bit of a hike but we don't mind. So how are you all feeling? I am feeling quite ok now, some days a bit off but thankfully the MS has cleared after 4.5 tough and tiring months. Getting my energy back now yay! Anyone have any skin problems? I have hormonal excema around my eyes and under my arms. I had to use steroid cream for my eyes to get it under control but my underarms are painful, flame red and very difficult to manage. Otherwise, looking forward to getting my body back though still a way to go for that! Still BFing DD and my weight is ballooning again, 4kg last month.... I just can't seem to eat well on days where I feel off and I feel like I need a lot of calories to keep up, so chocolate and carbs it is!! With both pregnancies I have had a hard time managing what I eat.. Any tips?!!! I am having an eczema just in between my eyebrows and near eyelids. I used steroid creams for about two weeks but didn't help, so I gave up as I don't want to overuse any steroids. Plan to get back to it after delivery if nothing changes. What creams do you use?
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 16:13
Ask how much accommodation and transportation each cost. It would be good that you know where or in which area she will be staying. She said she will be living in Deira (with her husband) and will be traveling to Dubai Marina. And will be working 8 hours a day.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 18:16
If you are talking about EW forum, then believe me, compared to some other forums, this is an Eden with polite and kind angels. One thing when they comment negatively, another when they just swear on you using insulting and rude language in the forum though behind the screen when you have no clue what person that could be.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 19:28
Any supermarket would have it (at least one of the brands) - are you sure you checked the right shelves?
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 13:29
The school is called American because it follows American Curriculum - as simple as that. I am not defending the school, but in Primary 90% teachers are American. Don't know what is it like in Middle and High.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 09:27
Agree with previous comments. Request a meeting with the teacher. And when you meet ask what exactly happened that day and is it like that every day or that particular day. Ask what in her PROFESSIONAL opinion is the problem and how YOU and HER together in cooperation would solve it (if, at all, there was a problem as such). You will be then seen as a not aggressive parent who is defending her child without getting to know the root cause of the issue, but as an understanding and cooperative parent, who tries to get the best solution for her kid's development and success.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 09:01
I stopped using J&J shampoo after my DS developed an itching scalp problem and DS was 4 years old then. Our pediatrician said that J&J products cause allergies and rashes in many children and suggested to change the brand. The problem vanished as soon as I changed the brand - I think it was Mustela at that time. When he was a little baby I also used natural oils (olive in our case) and bathed him in a bath with herbal extracts (recommended by pediatrician obviously) from time to time. These stuff do wonders, especially if baby skin was developing rashes. But those we got from home country and haven't seen in Dubai yet.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 16:05
Healthy Home ME did mine and a few ladies on here, they were really good! http://www.thehealthyhome.me/ Could you please tell how much they charge for 1 king size mattress? And have you done curtains too?
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 15:23
I had a neurotic eye (tic) for one month and the neurologist (which I then decided to visit) prescribed MgVita. The eye was back to normal after 5-6 days.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 15:18
I remember contacting Live'ly for the same purpose couple of years ago. The price freaked me out at that time + my DS was only KG 1 then and the meal was too big for him.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 21:58
Remedies which helped me: - a glass of laban at night (I would go with those which contain lacto- or bifido-bacteria) - dried apricot (or the compote from it) - pour boiled hot water over 3-5 dried apricots in a glass at night and drink first thing in the morning (and you can eat apricots too) But these need to be done regularly
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 17:40
I'll rather save on something else, than on water. I use bottled water even for boiling eggs, pasta cooking or tea put aside. Better safe than sorry, so to say
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 17:28
If you want a nearby location that would be Saudi German hospital and Dr Anwar Mousa
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:58
Notice period to leave and fee change is standard. 12 months to move out and before 90 days for any change in rent or contract. Our current contract states 2 months for change in rent terms. That's why I assumed not all contracts are the same.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:54
Mamas and Papas sell nice one-piece maternity swimsuits. I have one and it's really nice to wear post-pregnancy as well :) Can you please tell me which mall was that? In Dubai Marina mall, there wasn't anything. Thanks I saw some full swimsuit and the tankini style at Mamas & Papas in the Dubai Mall branch a couple of weeks ago. Some were even reduced to AED 40! Thank you! Will check it this weekend and hopefully they are still in stock.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:45
We also bought an apartment with the tenants and didn't change the rent fee until tenant has moved out. But small advise would be: just check your current tenancy contract, especially the parts regarding notice period (for termination or fee change) - as not all tenancy contracts are the same.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:34
Want a gum? (when offered I usually reply "my breath is smelling that bad?") :) edited by barlas on 10/09/2014 And what do you do when they say, "well, yes?" Ha-ha! Thank God, none of them said Yes yet :) In fact, it makes them feel guilty for offering the gum :)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:27
There are kids classes in hotels around JBR (Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, Grand Habtoor). But neither their timing nor the price list looks attractive. All of them have private classes if you can afford it. And I think other hotels might have those too. But, obviously hotel option would be always expensive. We are also in search for a new place to continue our classes. So if anyone finds one nearby, please share. Did you have a swimming instructor come to JBR? Can you pass on her/his information? If I find another pool or friends, I can ask to train there. Oh dear, this would be almost impossible. Apparently he got very sick (was on dialysis when we contacted him last time, which was half a year ago) and it is very unlikely he would do any classes again.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:22
Want a gum? (when offered I usually reply "my breath is smelling that bad?") :) <em>edited by barlas on 10/09/2014</em>
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 13:20
Mitsubishi Pajero would be within your budget (but again, it would be automatic with manual option as Geordie expat wrote)
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 12:30
I don't think you buy it online... She does private sales and private fittings so I am pretty sure you can try the stuff on and buy only if it suits you... Oh, that's great. Thanks for sharing this.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2014 - 12:26
There are kids classes in hotels around JBR (Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, Grand Habtoor). But neither their timing nor the price list looks attractive. All of them have private classes if you can afford it. And I think other hotels might have those too. But, obviously hotel option would be always expensive. We are also in search for a new place to continue our classes. So if anyone finds one nearby, please share.
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 15:03
JBR does not allow any external instructors to come and teach. We used to have one but we lost our battle against Taziz in getting permission for our instructor (he was just perfect and many moms came to support this) to do lessons at "community pool which is for residents, not for any commercial activities" (as they told us). :(
barlas
188
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 15:00
Marie from Mademoiselle from Paris sells beautiful stuff from the brand Cache Coeur. It's really lovely and dedicated to pregnancy lingerie and swimwear.. worth a look http://www.mademoiselle-from-paris.com/collection-8-5-Cache%20Coeur%20?PHPSESSID=002106caf6d8d1e7565658cd29cbaf7c edited by frenchbird on 07/09/2014 I am not into online buying, prefer to try it on and buy. For the same reason I didn't buy from Mumzworld.com as these items (just like underwear) are not returnable.
 
 
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