Beebers | ExpatWoman.com
 

Beebers

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 17:00
I am soooo frustrated. I am eating really not much. morning usually lite cappuchino, lunch salad and small lite dinner....I avoid many things and still I am not loosing weight. I can't go jogging because I have a knee injury for few months. I have changed the pill last November...now taking Cerazette which is actually heaven. I did not have my periode anymore. Not sure if the pill could be the problem! i feel uncomfortable, I am worried that I get a tummy...and my biggest problem are my hip and tighs. It feels they are getting bigger. Not matching the rest of my body ....the area between knees an waist is the problem the rest I feel well. How can I loose wait at hips and tighs?[b'> I don't have much time for sport as I always come late from office.[/b'> i am getting so frustrated...with small waist more hips shopping is getting frustrating..... Few have time...you will make it a priority if you want to lose fat badly enough Two things kickstart your metabolism: eating and training. There's the problem. You are either eating just as you say in which case your metabolism is stagnant...but you should not be gaining. Or, you are eating way more than you list here on most days. 99.9% of people do not gain weight by accident. Exercise in whatever way you can. There are no downsides unless you are exacerbating an existing injury. The exercise will tell your body what to do with whatever food you are eating. That is far more important for someone in your shoes to focus on than dieting, trust me :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 12:17
Agree with Suzy 100%
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 12:08
We are comparing apples and oranges on this thread. You just cannot compare the hierarchy in the corporate world between officers and their subordinate staff to the strata and class systems in "Asian" countries as has been referred to on this thread. References to "Smashing the stratas" and "Western Expats spoiling 'the help'' have clearly defined what this is about. Frankly, I never considered the subject of equality with senior officers. They are simply "the boss" and my role is subordinate to their role. If the situation arose where the boss made it clear that he doesn't see us as equals on a humane level, I would find the opportunity to work somewhere else as soon as possible. I don't think that I am alone in this, which is perhaps why maids do indeed have their preferences as to who they would prefer to work for. And why shouldn't they? Don't tell me because in their home country, blah blah blah.....
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 17:01
About two weeks ago, the beach was "closed" between Hilton and Meydan Club. Looks like they dredged to extend the sand roughly 15M. (Can't really tell from my balcony but that's close). It is now open again there. Now they have shifted to the Ritz area and Le Royal, like you said. Maybe another week or so, should be back open again.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 11:57
No, the poster clearly referred to stratas and that "we are not equals." Can't really be compared to servers in restaurants or even executive staff versus front office staff, either.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 11:53
I moved to Dubai from Qatar a couple of month ago and I can tell you, dear ladies, that the maids are really spoilt here. And spoiled by you, the Western expats. In Doha they work hard for less money and feel thankful for being able to work for you! Always respectful and polite, attentive and ready to serve. Here all these games "we are all equals, my maid should not work more that 8 hours a day and have her hair cut and nails made once a month..." don't do any good. In fact I am shocked by the behavior of the help here, they really take us for stupid cows. All these Asian nations live in strata societies. It doesn't help they at all when we try to smash the stratas. We are not equals. Just respect them but don't spoil them!!! edited by marykar on 12/10/2014 So, blaming Western expats for upsetting your proverbial apple cart. I've met plenty of British expats here, for example, that grew up with domestic staff. Staff that stayed with their families for decades. I am not used to that, however my DH grew up with that. I would not say Westerners are completely unaccustomed to home help or mess it up for everyone else in Dubai. I don't believe I recall reading any stories in UK press detailing stories where maids were in the hospital with iron burns or recovering from acid attacks at their employer's hands, or stories about maids urinating in the food they prepared for the family. Funny, those stories only come from this region. Coincidence?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 October 2014 - 16:00
I don't think anybody can fix it, I think Etisalat banned it. I have Etisalat data package on my phone, and Etisalat wifi at work= doesn't work either place. However, I have du wifi at home, where it does work. I finally just decided to use Skype as the main app for free calls instead of viber.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 09:53
Freaking92, I get it. Sometimes you just have to do the job you're given until your planned future unfolds. Being happy doesn't pay bills. Best way to succeed is pay your dues, and often, do a ton of things you don't want to do to get there. It's called being an adult. You might want to eat crow, as they say, and stick around for a reasonable amount of time so that your CV doesn't suffer because of it, or you will have that much harder of a time finding a new role that is more in line with your desired career path. See if you can talk to your bosses and undo your resignation. And one day if you do make it into HR, you will find yourself dealing with employees in light of what is best for the company, which may include listening to them complain when they are re-designated. Isn't that ironic?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2014 - 09:33
I found that the simpler the method, the better, and a less aggressive approach was best for me when I had sever acne. The less things going on, the better. 1. Creme cleanser like Clarins with Gentian Herbs 2. Lightweight moisturizer (but not oil free) like Kinerase lotion (don't think you can buy in Dubai) 3. A mask 3x a week like Lush's formula for acne if you want to go natural OR the mask from ProActiv 4. Nightly treatment oil from Clarins designed for oily/acne prone skin. Oil breaks oil--it works For a cover-up concealer stick, Dr. Hauschka's is great and concealed really well for me. You can buy it at the Organics shop. I found the spot treatment to be better than using a layer of mineral foundation which had so much titanium dioxide it actually highlighted it. Time will heal it. Don't go overboard with oil free products or harsh treatments, because you want to keep your skin moisturized well so it doesn't leave scarring. That's the biggest mistake people make. You can't stop the acne while your hormones are out of whack, but you can keep it from scarring. <em>edited by Beebers on 09/10/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 16:12
Freaking92, your post about taking HR duties in the HR Manager's absence was a little confusing, because you said you were "focusing on the HR side of your career." I don't know how long you have lived and worked in Dubai, but it is true here, and elsewhere: It is [b'>much[/b'> easier to find a job while you are employed. I sympathize with you, in that during my previous position, my employer had a much different definition for the clause in my work contracted which stated I will do "any reasonable task" than I did. My workload was doubled within 3 months of starting there, and I was asked to do things way outside my realm and pay grade. It was really unfair. In light of that, I gained good experience which broadened my skills and turned out to be a positive. Who knows if they are shifting you to a different position because you are already sponsored by them, and it is easier than going about the process of hiring a new person when they already like and trust you. Maybe they are just being cheap. But the way you are describing them as breaking their own policies and your claims of being a victim-- you won't find a lot of sympathy on a forum where many women and their spouses are desperately seeking work while your claims seem rather petty. <em>edited by Beebers on 08/10/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 12:22
Perhaps an after school sports club for kids? Busy kids are kids that are not causing trouble. Sports also has a way of teaching values without outwardly doing so. Just an idea.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 11:56
It's called work for a reason. Some people are in occupational bliss getting paid exactly what they are worth, or more. Some have a fantastic boss and competent managers. Some have flexible offers. Some of us have none of the above! Maybe you don't like being a sales coordinator, and perhaps you are not well suited for it. But it is not using you or victimizing you. You are employed and paid. Many employers have a habit of scope creeping, and re-designating especially in this part of the world. Like in your case: hire someone to do an admin job, then give them a host of other duties they are not qualified to perform rather than hire someone who would require a higher salary for the role. It happened in my last office, happens in my current, and turnover is high because people like you are unhappy. I have also interviewed candidates in both companies that were out of work for 6 months plus with a CV containing several jobs which lasted 3-9 mos. No thanks! Unless you are being abused, harassed, or asked to do something illegal, please do not consider yourself a victim. That's ridiculous.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 14:25
Don't know why I am just seeing this now, but made my day :) http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/12/homeless-dogs-learn-to-drive-in-new.html enjoy
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 11:25
Any "diet" that "works" will have you dealing with an amount of hunger. That's the effect of a caloric deficit, and that's the point. Eating your last meal close to bedtime is the ticket for me. There is no magic hour where food or carbs turns into cellulite or a muffing top. Once I finally accepted science over dogma and realized that, rarely have gone to bed hungry since :) P.S. glad you finally crashed out. I usually watch a lecture or documentary on youtube, on my ipad mini with a headset. Helps, and no morning grog from an antihistimine lol <em>edited by Beebers on 07/10/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 10:54
We came dang close to bouncing a check last year due to a clerical error on the IBAN number (which delayed the wire transfer) on a quarterly payment where a holiday both back home and here coincided and made for a week of "no banking" days. We called our landlord, showed him the correspondence, and prepared him. He was very understanding. However I would not expect him to be had we not communicated with him. If it had bounced, and then happened again, I wouldn't expect any mercy as it is in the OP's case. It is just business! My grandfather was a LL and nearly got taken to the cleaners due to his "understanding" and being overly kind with his tenants. 4 checks, 1 check-- you made a commitment when you signed a lease. Doesn't matter what the norm is in the rest of the world. In Africa, we had 1 check for a 2 year lease!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 09:48
Thanks for the tip. How did you find them, they don't seem to have a website... Hi DM, I found them here, searching threads. Their website is in this thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic224904-recommend-me-a-maid-service-pls.aspx I called several agencies before them, but all were either booked or not picking up the phone. I was reluctant to call this company because frankly, the single review here looked suspicious, but I was desperate. Ended up working out very well for me! At 35 dhs/hour, I'll be using them regularly.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 09:28
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? Seems like BodyWorx has a lot of classes, at least from what I have seen on FB. They post their timetable there occasionally. But I am not a classgoer so I can't say for sure. I did one TRX there ages ago. Yes, below I mentioned Studio. I did one Zumba class there--it was packed. Their classes seem to be rocking.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 20:29
We had our flat cleaned by Dubai Housekeeping today. They were not only excellent in booking us on short notice, but they did a great job. We had expected 2 maids, but due to unforeseen circumstances, only 1 gal was available. The owner/manager Param showed up alongside the maid to apologize and explain. How's that? We only had a 2 hour time slot, but this gal was a professional powerhouse and got everything done. Anyway, just a real positive experience and glad I found this service searching through the myriad of threads on EW. As a former field training manager for a cleaning company in the USA I am impressed.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 20:21
Mimilo, we have been SO happy with Laundry Box. Although we have a locker drop off facility in our building, you can call their toll free number, and they pick up and deliver to your area. I rave about few things on this forum, but when we come across excellent service and value, I have to chime in. To be specific, we used to use Champion Cleaners, as we found their service best, although, it was expensive compared to others. Laundrybox is not only superior, and less expensive, but their results are best IMO. is www.laundrybox.com. I was sold when they emailed me a photo of a small rip in a garment we dropped off, and asked if they should proceed with caution and try to mend. You just can't beat that!! HTH <em>edited by Beebers on 02/10/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 16:54
I wanted to come back to say how awesome Clean Team is. They showed up promptly and were very professional. To give an idea, we have two glass balconies, each about 6 sq meters, with floor to ceiling windows. They did the glass rails, the outside and inside of the floor to ceiling windows, as well as a breakfast table. They had quoted 350 dhs, and were finished in an hour. Since it was a little less work than expected, they also did the insides of our 5 floor to ceiling bedroom windows. Couldn't be happier and will use them again, highly recommended!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 16:45
If he is passing through & he won't actually leave the airport - so he should be able to have one, airports as far as I know aren't included in the same rules, as it something like in international airspace! Sorry--I meant he is passing through as in he is in town for one night. I didn't think there were any bars in arrivals...just coffee, shopping, and currency services, etc.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 14:19
Does anyone know if the bars in DXB are serving after 6pm today? Is it dry there too? A friend of mine is passing through and planned on having a drink when he landed. But actually, don't think there are any bars in arrivals, anyway...
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 12:09
Although it depends what the team building exercise and duration is, I vote: definitely company time. People want to spend time with friends and family on weekends/evenings, not their colleagues. Exception for me would be a work dinner where my spouse was invited, like a holiday party. A former employer of mine suggested a similar thing, in form of a bus trip to a far-out emirate to go "camping" one weekend. I could think of nothing worse than spending time with colleagues I had nothing in common with or bosses I couldn't stand, headed to the middle of nowhere on a bus after working a 60 hour week.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 11:57
Haven't been myself, but I had friends who did and they said it became less about the exercising and more about the socializing :-/ That's what I have heard also, but that doesn't necessarily mean the classes or the equipment aren't good. I have never been personally so cannot comment. I tend to avoid social/class environments in the gym InWhySee: I have a membership at both BodyWorx and Fidelity. Fidelity is in the Al Fattan Tower, JBR road facing on the 2nd floor. It is more posh than BodyWorx however it is more expensive, 399 monthly although I think they have a classes membership which could be different than the regular monthly rate I pay for the free weights and cardio. They have Les Mills. Besides these, though, there are also JBR community gyms located in Sadaf and Bahar on the podium level which are supposed to be free to JBR residents. I have no idea how busy they get but they have decent equipment, just a little less than BodyWorx, actually. Studio Fitness (I think that's it?) has a variety of classes. Got dragged to Zumba there, once. I think it is less expensive than Core. I wish the gym memberships here were less expensive, but after 4 years, I have conceded that I will pay whatever I have to in order to get the equipment and convenience I need in order to make training enjoyable.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 13:50
haha thanks Beebers... this is good.. im sure in reality we may skip several things.. but good list to remember what needs to be covered or things that can be prioritized :)... yeah...no silver in our castle here lol :) Actually, in Africa, our housekeeper would iron socks, underwear, towels, sheets-- I thought it was too much and said we didn't require that standard. Then, he nicely explained it was to kill any insect eggs. LOVELY lol
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 13:08
Actually, it is not as taxing as it reads. Take it from a former field training manager for a cleaning company; it is just not. Not to mention, when you're cleaning a house on a daily basis (aside from the kitchen) as your sole 8-10 hour a day job-- it just never gets that filthy and the upkeep is mostly spot treatment.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 12:24
I thought it originated as a genuine list for someone's maid? Like saggi said, it is intense, but it gives you a list of nearly every housekeeping duty possible, from which you could cherry pick
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 11:39
searched posts, this is the one http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic199758-where-is-that-wonderful-maid-responsibilty-list-gone.aspx needed it for my own reference, as well
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 10:53
Reckon it might be an advert anyways ... It did sound like information gathering.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 16:18
I find it very strange that there are [b'>posters here who says you must contact the police over one text message! Seriously?[/b'> This guy is just trying his luck by asking for a loan. It is wrong and you can choose to just ignore the text and go on with your life like a normal adult. If he texts again then tell him clearly not to text you about money or anything else for that matter. edited by Asti on 30/09/2014 I agree! It might make you uncomfortable, as I admitted it does me, but come on. Police? I think women are approached more than our male counterparts because we are viewed as soft-hearted...I have never felt in danger by any means. These people don't want trouble. They already have it.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 13:05
lol good catch :) The blonde in pic #3 down the page looks like she is wearing a triangle bikini top. They didn't skimp on her boob size either
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 12:58
I called this company today for my balconies. Rates were really reasonable, and hoping to get an appointment this week. Don't have feedback yet, but they seem very professional. http://www.thecleanteam.ae/window-cleaning/residential-services/ That's them. A few of us in JVT arranged for them to come and do a number of villas on the same day and they gave us a discount. Very professional and an excellent job :) Super :) They just called me back to tell me they have an opening for tomorrow morning. I will count myself most fortunate, especially right before a holiday. Glad to hear your positive feedback!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 12:35
LOL, I had to get on google "What is a zimmer"
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 12:21
Home grown brunch at the casa-- that's what we are doing as we have a guest coming in. Otherwise, we would probably go to the gym, then hole up with some epic movies and snacks :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 12:18
Can/should you really report that kind of thing to the police? I have been asked a number of times by people I barely know in unfortunate positions throughout my stint in Dubai. I don't like it, either, and it bothers me. Bothers me because they don't know me, and bothers me because I am human, I do have a heart. Never happens to my DH, although he has been asked about a job more than a few times.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 12:14
The Who = YESSSSSS!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 11:34
I think it's important to ask people who have successfully lost weight and KEPT it off how they do [b'>that[/b'> Almost anyone can lose it. I have gained and lost too many kgs to admit over the years. But I never kept it off until I continued to work at it, and truly made it a centerpiece of my existence. Planning meals, scheduling workouts, getting good sleep--it never ends. **This does not apply to people with freaky high metabolisms, or some other anomalies. However, you will never meet a fat person, who lost weight, and then went back to old ways that didn't put on some weight, all the weight, or even more than they had lost in the first place. When you design your nutrition plan/exercise plan, consider what you will have to do to [i'>maintain[/i'> your weight loss. If you go balls to the wall out of the gate, you may rebound terribly as some things you cannot keep up. (high volume exercise, no carbs, low cals, etc)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 11:27
I am sure you are not an idiot thou.... LOL
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 09:58
Spend the majority of my time with people far smarter than me, so it balances out
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 19:18
Same here. Feedback is always good!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 19:03
Beebers, I'm also waiting for a confirmation for the same date from Dubai Housekeeping:) lol I'm talking with Param, he sounded a like a logical person, totally above my expectations comparing to other agencies. I'm planning to use them on the 1st of October for move in cleaning, hope they'll do a good job. And yes, finding a maids service takes time.. Welp, you can't have 1:30-3:30, sorry ;) No seriously-- hope they can fit you in. Param is who I spoke to as well. He was helpful and competent. Let's cross our fingers the entire operation follows suit. This will be the first time I'll have had my home cleaned by someone else, and if it goes well, I might make it a permanent thing.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 14:14
All of the things I would have advised my 6 year old self, 16 year old self, and 26 year old self-- they just don't matter now. None of it matters now I tell my current self, and I guess I would have told my former self the same 1. It's okay to say no 2. Don't worry about things that might not even happen 3. Spend more time with parents. Ilovecandy---now YES! All the hours in my life spent straightening my hair...could've learned several foreign languages :) <em>edited by Beebers on 29/09/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 14:01
I called this company today for my balconies. Rates were really reasonable, and hoping to get an appointment this week. Don't have feedback yet, but they seem very professional. http://www.thecleanteam.ae/window-cleaning/residential-services/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 12:50
Illegal but a great idea! What I had in mind is to ask them which service to use. Those guys know everything! They won't take money from us, even for Christmas/Ramadan bonuses. They do, however, enjoy freshly baked cookies :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 11:20
LOL not so fast...Dubai Housekeeping just called me back, they can fit us in Thrs. Weeee! Would you believe I have never hired a cleaning service. Giddy right now. That's a good idea, Izzy, and if I don't get a call back from the window people, I will ask Mr. Beebers (working from his cozy home office) to talk to the security guys. <em>edited by Beebers on 29/09/2014</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 11:07
Metrolpolitan Maids, Eco Maids, Domestic Bliss, Molly Maids, and the service company that does our building = no answer Dubai Housekeeping = checking, will call me back. If they say no, I will continue with whoever the heck I find on a search here. Also waiting on Clean Team to call me back about the balconies/windows.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 14:09
Cherpie: got it. No idea if they take cards there. Hope you find what you need/want! InWhySee: I store them in my nightstand, so I can easily toss them on the bed and roll around in my vast riches. [img'>http://www.pic4ever.com/images/greenstars.gif[/img'> Seriously, we have a fireproof safe in the house. For anyone with a large amount of wealth in metals or stones, you can store them at Brinks in DMCC. Traveling--depends which country you are going to, and what their customs or duty laws is. There is a monetary limit to some countries for bullion and coins, therefore I know some people that choose to buy jewelry, and "wear it" in. India in particular is pretty strict. You pay duty on bullion and there is a small limit on gold ornaments (jewelry) you can take in.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 13:35
Awesome, thank you so much, that's exactly what I'm wanting! Yes, those stamps. I know those stores at DM and I don't think anything there is cash only. I can get a parking spot super easy in the morning too, I'll try it. I don't know what you mean, cash only? BTW the store I would recommend is 2 shops down from G & B Gems. It is a corner store and has a ton of 22k gold jewelry. Opposite Cheesecake Factory. Good luck!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 13:28
Well Deira and sharjah are both no go's for me unfortunately. The benefit is you can always get something for it, you won't lose like on other things, and I dont think I personally really have many other options Cherpie, Can you get to Dubai Mall? Several of the stores in the Gold Souq sell them. Stamped and all--can't remember if it was Pamp Suisse or what--several different varieties. I have seen between 30g and one ounce, although they may have lower weight bars. We have ordered silver bars from apmex.com, but as far as duty/tax, I am not sure how it works or what is allowed. We were in the USA at the time when we placed our order. You can email them, or perhaps another poster can advise on this.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 12:51
Hiya, just wondering is this for investment purposes because the price of gold has come down per gram? I thought about investing into gold but then thought it was so much, surely it will come back down again It was almost $2000 per ounce in early 2011 if I recall, whereas now it is around $1200 per ounce. Even if I bought today at $1219/oz, I would not sell if it climbed up to $2000 again--it is a long term investment. I really don't see it going much lower any time soon, so this is as fine a time as any to buy. Truthfully, buying gold is always a good investment because it will always have value whereas fiat currencies change. The price will always go up and down so it is not really something to look at daily unless you are a commodities day trader. But long term is the name of the game and IMO it is a sound investment.