batgirls gal | ExpatWoman.com
 

batgirls gal

batgirls gal
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Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 12:37
My dd was supposed to start FS1 in Sep after turning 3 in July, she couldn't go as she was still in nappies, she's now out of nappies and there was a space for her after xmas, however she 'failed' the assessment! We're going to hold her back and she'll start FS1 in Sep. We also have a DS who is an August baby (13 months between them) and he'll be held back a year aswell. I'm so glad to hear of other children being held back and hope it'll be the right choice. My only concerns are when they get older will the other children make comments? And if we go back to the UK will they be forced into the 'correct' year group and basically miss a year??
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 07:29
Mone75, I am in EXACTLY the same predicament as you used to be. We have AD visas and just last week applied for an employment entry permit for a nanny who is on tourist visa. AD immigration refused to give my husband the pink visa entry form and told him that the nanny MUST exit the country first before the pink slip may be issued (we need to wait 1 hour after the nanny passes through immigration before they can print the pink slip!). PLEASE, can you tell me how things turned out with your maid? Did you end up sending her to Kish (which I really do not want to do in the case of our nanny)? Do you have the answers to your own questions? Really need your help. Found an agency who offered to get an Omani tourist visa for our nanny so she can cross the border via bus, spend a night or two in Oman (while waiting for the original pink visa entry permit to be hand delivered to her by the agency's driver), then re-enter Dubai via bus as well. Don't know if this will work :( edited by domesticdivawannabe on 02/11/2012 I have just been through this in Dubai. We went to one immigration office who said she needed to be out of the country for the pink visa to be issued but then someone in the immigration office said it was just that particluar woman and suggested we just go to another immigration office! Which we did and it was issued no problem! So maybe try another office. She flew to Oman yesterday and back 3 hours later, no problem, cost 500dhs for the flight.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2012 - 07:02
The traffic in JLT has improved dramatically in the last week or so, they have opened a new section of road which means there are hardly any queues anymore. I would definitely look over here if I were you with that budget and needing a metro near by. There's a nice walk all around the lake and plenty of little parks. <em>edited by batgirls gal on 02/11/2012</em>
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 10:53
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 14:10
You have my sympathies, I'm in the same situation and have had endless phone calls and arranged interviews that they simply don't turn up to. Good luck with your search. :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 14:57
I'm interested. Please email me on
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 08:38
Bit late I know but we really like W Grill at Wafi.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 08:35
Thank you, I called but apparantly the cousin doesn't really speak English. Anyone else know anyone please? Or could suggest where to look, I've been checking the classifieds on here and on dubizzle. <em>edited by ashnaisbitt1986 on 18/08/2012</em>
batgirls gal
170
Posts
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Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 12:02
Thanks for that, I don't really want to go down that route tho. Does anyone else have any ideas? I've tried the classifieds on here and on dubizzle.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 11:42
Thanks Suze63. That is really interesting. So, hypothetically, if we we were to buy another property when we returned to London that was out main residence do you think we could offset the cost of our main residence against the income we would receive from our flat that would be, by then, mortgage free? I love expatwoman! Everyone is so helpful!! xxx I don't think you could do this or everyone in the UK would be doing it. Or maybe you can and it's one of those things no one knows about, would love to know if anyone knows for sure!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 11:24
Thanks so much. That was what I was hoping to hear. Can't help but have a little niggly feeling though... ashnaisbitt1986 do you send in the NRL forms or go through a letting agent? Any idea how much we will be taxed once our mortgage is paid off - and how to get around that? We would probably be living in the UK by then too so will be broke! Thanks again! If it were me a year or two before I returned to the UK I would remortgage for as much as possible, let the rent pay the mortgage so no tax liability. I'd put the money from remortgaging offshore and use that to pay for the school fees. Not sure what a NRL is but we don't actually use an agent apart from to find us a tenant, we have family in the town to help if there are any issues and then we do an online tax return each year that is fairly easy to fill in.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 11:06
Hi! You'd be hard pushed to pay any tax whilst you've got a mortgage on it, as well as the mortgage amount being deductible, so is the insurance, agency fees, 10% of rent wear and tear annually and a few other things. Doesn't seem unrealistic to me to get it paid off in 10 years. We're buying a few and don't expect to pay any tax until the mortgages run out even with several properties. Good luck!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 19:06
SATS levels in English schools work as below. 2a is 'better' than 2b and 'better' than 2c. 3c is 'better' than 2c then 3b 'better' than 3c etc etc. At end of Year 2 the National average is 2b. Anything above this means better than National average. Hope this helps. I'm surprised the school hasn't explained this. I firmly believe that SATS levels at primary school need to e taken with a pinch of salt. Some teachers teach to pass them which can skew results and all kids develop at different rates. Particularly in the early years then kids born between Sept and Feb etc have a better chance of getting higher grades. Thanks for your reply. Yes I know the national average is 2b etc, I'm just wanting to know if lots of the children out here are doing extremely well (like me daughter) according to their school report. I'm not sure if anyone eternally see's there work to verify the level she's been graded at.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 13:37
Hi we would really, really, really like a JW Marriott Voucher (or 3) for this Friday PLEASE, we're happy to swap for whatever you need (most of our book's still full) in fact would be happy to trade several others of ours in exchange. Please email me on ashnaisbitt at yahoo.co.uk
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 09:29
Sorry to hijack but ranchesrose would you mind mailing me what you would charge for speech therapy (if indeed you do speech therapy!). on [email protected] Many Thanks
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 18:19
AngelofNorth are you north of england??
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 18:17
I was in Sharjah a few days ago and happened to be at Spinneys at a mall called Al Taawun, it had every colour imagineable and it really isn't that far from Dubai. Sorry can't give directions but the mall was in my sat nav.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 17:34
I think you're right to be concerned. I would want/expect 3 adults for 9 children of that age. Although I would be fine with it if it was just for a couple of days as i wouldn't expect the nursery to have a supply teacher to hand if normal teacher is off sick. I wouldn't put the biting incident down to lack of staff though. Kids will be kids and unfortunately some of the little terrors like to bite. My DD has been the victim of this a couple of times. It's not nice but it happens. In my case the parent of the biter was told and eventually it stopped so i was happy. Hope your DS is ok and the biter gets fed soon. Thanks my DS is fine, he was just rather upset at the time! I totally understand that ppl get sick but when the teacher is off, do I let my son go? 9 LO's to 2 qualified teachers owuld be a handful with nappies, bottles, etc never mind two fairly unqualified helpers. I'm not sure how much of a fuss to make, I'm thinking I'll keep him off if the ratios are ever like that but should I insist on reimbursement for those days? Or is it acceptable and just me being awkward?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 16:04
It's unresponsible from the nursery's part but I'm not surprised. I have seen similar situations in Dubai. Your kids are just too young for nursery I feel, I would recommend you to read Steve Biddulph's assessment on this. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/day-care-is-bad-for-babies-biddulph/2006/03/17/1142582520873.html Thanks for the info on what my children are too young for, that's exactly what I was aking for and completely relevant. If you read the article it says 'young babies' were tested for the stress hormones and were found to have elevated levels when left in daycare for long periods of time. My youngest is 19 months and there for 4hrs a day max so neither are relevant to me. The article actually is not very factual at all, itdoes not look at a diverse range of variables (ages, length of time in nursery, quality of nursery) and is just another way to try and make us feel like we're doing it wrong! Our paediatrition actually recommended for my 2 year old to start nursery to help with her speach delay and it has done wonders, I suppose I'll pay the price when she's 30 though :(
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 14:53
Yes I've spoken to the manager and explained my concerns, she agrees that she does not think 9 children to 2 staff is appropriate but says she can't do anything about it, although she did say she would spend quite a bit of time in that room tomorrow
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 14:45
The nursery is legal it's just that the nursery is located in a villa type premises (just like Blossom, Emirates British Nursery, etc)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 14:32
Thanks for that. Does anyone know what the ratios should be over here or is there no guidance/laws on it?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2012 - 12:21
Thanks alot!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 12:27
Can you recommend these guys?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 20:56
Yes it is. I quite often dye things, usually black clothes that seem to fade to a dull shade here quickly. I also dyed a mid- brown skirt to a rich chocolate brown. It is easy - just get one of the washing machine dylon dyes, stick it in the machine with a load of salt and follow the instructions. I have never had anything shrink on me as you dye at a cool temp. BTW you cannot dye anything white, just go for a darker/richer shade and you should be fine. I find the dyes in Magrudys, Spinneys and Al Maya supermarkets. Thanks so much, it sounds so easy, can't believe i didn't even know if it was possible!! Will have a trip to Spinneys tomorrow!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 20:38
Not sure about the 1st question but regarding the 2nd one, nothing appears on the news feed and the other person doesn't get notified, they would only find out you were no longer friends if they clicked on your profile as it would then say you're not friends with this person.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 20:33
I've got a lovely dress, fits me really nicely but it's a weird peach colour, is it possible to dye it another colour preferably a chocolate brown colour but black or white would be good if that's easier to do? It's linen and normally I wouldn't bother but it really is a lovely fit!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 14:25
Did they have any entertainment for the children? :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 20:56
I thought I was, but I'm 25!! :-)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2012 - 13:16
I got it and laughed :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 19:25
Its on the first floor of Dubai Mall, near the front entrance Where Tiffany and Tag Heuer. they have info boards when you get there, Very easy to find. Thanks :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 19:09
Yes boot and also the Dermalogica Store at Dubai Mall. The prices are the same. Love Dermalogica Thanks so much - where about in dubai mall is it?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 08:03
My two go and they absolutely love it!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 09:46
See a GP ASAP, you need to get some serotonin into your system. Hugs xx Are you a doctor? That's exactly what she told me :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 09:44
Thanks so much for all your replies. Im feeling much better today, took myself to dr's yesterday and have been convinced to give some tablets a try. Sorry i didn't respond to your lovely messages earlier.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 10:53
Maybe a Moxie girl doll for the girl and a remote control car for the boy? You can get both in C4 for around £20.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 08:02
Hi can you email me more details to [email protected] as my maid is looking for a new position. She's great with my children and is a good worker. We're moving to an apartment and won't be having a maid anymore, so starting to look for new positions for her.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 17:45
If you are really cheap then go into the supermarkets near closing and they will have the cooked food reduced from that day. Otherwise make a list of what you need and take cash as a budget. Personally i just throw what i want in a trolley, and be done with it. I can put what I want in too from a financial perspective but it just irks me that these supermarkets charge such a mark up and all us suckers just pay it!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2011 - 05:22
We just bought 3 from dragonmart, the problem is that you can only really use 1 otherwise the signals interfere with each other, you can watch from your mobile or just record for the day but you'll need to buy a DVR in order to record. The camera is pretty small, we've hidden it in an air freshener! Cost 140 dhs for each camera, I think DVR's are about 500 but we already had one so not certain. HTH :) I',m going to try and take the other two back but not holding my breath so might have 2 up for grabs if you want 1?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 08:16
My email is [email protected]
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 08:15
I'm after a speech therapist who would like some extra work outside of office hours or a qualified speech therapist who might not be working at the moment but would like to work 2 hours a week with my 2 year old daughter? I don't really want to pay 400dhs to a company, I was thinking more like 150dhs an hour plus travel to my home.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 October 2011 - 11:37
Thanks, yes we're just going to go now, fingers crossed! :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 07:10
I have a memory card with over 1000 pics on that I want developing, where would you recommend going? I've tried a couple of places but they seem expensive, in the UK it would cost about 1p a pic.
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 14:37
H said no, even tho its my birthday:(
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:45
I'm going to chat with my hubby when he gets in at about 2 and see what he thinks :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:20
barmcake, we might be interested, I was literally just discussing getting a kitten last night with my DH. We've never had a cat before tho, do you know if this little one is good with children and could anyone give me their thoughts on having a cat in an apartment as we may be moving to one next year?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 09:31
moo moo what sort of price is the owner after?
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 12:23
Would love your thoughts on this. Our maid has been with us for about 6months, she's the first maid we've had. At first I thought she was pretty good, happy, played well with the LO's, etc. Now she's pretty moody but then I think I'd be moody if I had to clean someone else's house and help look after their children whilst my own baby is back home, so I can deal with the moodiness and to be fair she always does as I ask just not always very graciously and tbh it annoys me that I have to ask her to clean bathrooms etc. Anyway that's just a bit of background, on to the main issues. Last week we decided to take the children up the Burj our maid heard us organising it and said she had never been, I asked if she would like to come with us even though we were going on Friday, she said she would. So I booked it for 3.30 which is the latest I felt we could go due to getting the kids tea after and then bath, etc. I dropped our maid at her friends at 2pm on Thurs so she would still have a full 24hrs off and arranged to meet at 2.45 the next day. She didn't turn up, didn't answer her phone until 3.05, then just said 'I'm running late madam,I'll be there in 20mins' then hung up before I could say a word. We went without her but had already paid for her tickets and were very nearly late ourselves. Then yesterday we went in the pool, I took my watch and wedding rings off before going outside and simply can't remember where I put them, I do know they were downstairs as I didn't go up to get changed. Searched everywhere, was starting to suspect her this morning, in particular I searched the room where I got changed (the downstairs guest room) which is pretty much empty except the bed. Couldn't find them at all. I then went upstairs to have a look at the CCTV in case we'd had some kind of break in, where they'd managed to lock the windows behind them!! Anyway whilst I was upstairs she shouts up 'madam I've found them.' I went downstairs and she hadn't picked them up to give them to me, they were in the guest room bathroom. I'm sure I would have seen them. So now I'm thinking she took them but if that's true why give them back at that point? What do you think? Before these last few days I thought she was ok, the kids like her a lot and I feel really sorry for her having a little girl back home and no one else in their family works. I should add tho that whilst looking through the CCTV I saw her 'playing' with my 1 year old in the garden yesterday and she just sat on her phone while he pottered around which is so not what I wanted when I hired her but then they all do that don't they?? Sorry this is so long!
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 11:18
That's more like it!! Which Carrefour is this? :)
batgirls gal
170
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 11:08
Such as butter, flour, etc? In the UK I used to bake lots of cakes, etc with my LO's, I still do it here but with the price of all the ingredients it's actually cheaper just to buy them ready made. The cheapest butter I can find is around 8dhs per 400g, this is crazy!! Is there a cheaper alternative???
 
 
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