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blimey

blimey
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Latest post on 06 January 2012 - 15:59
GM, my friend bring the laksa from M'sia. Another friend suggested using japanese udon instead but they are a bit thin though ;) HTH. I am going to try to make kedah laksa for DD too :)
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 15:52
I ordered once (told you I am not a good cook ;)) from a friend... LOL! I'm not sure how to word this, but I love the holidays when everyone goes visiting everyone else's open house? Then, there's food again! Makes me feel warm and fuzzy (the visiting I mean, not the food :D) Ahh, you meant during the Eids, Chinese New Year and Deepavali? Yeah, that was awesome and the thing that I miss the most during those festivals. These days, most people just visit their friends and relatives. When I was young, my friends and I went to strangers' houses......ate all kind of dishes, cookies and cakes and got angpow when we leave :) What stranger danger??
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 15:32
You like laksa? Must be the Penang laksa :) Proud to be Penangite! I ordered once (told you I am not a good cook ;)) from a friend, let me ask her where she get the the noodles from.
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 15:21
I am :) but I am a lousy cook, I can tell you that. Ask anyway. If I don't know, I will still find out and let you know ;)
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 15:13
Be carefull with Air Asia, we booked return flights to Sandaken and they cancelled their only return flight without telling anyone. Got an emailhours after it was supposed to take off to tell us it had been cancelled. Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Air Asia, Nutty. I fly with them every time I go home. They cancelled on me twice but booked me to the later time on the same day. Both time, I received emails and/or sms in advance about the changes. I know they were pretty **** when they starts but I think they have improved so much over the years. Well, better than MAS at least ;)
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 12:18
Sorry Xiana, again no clue where to find miracle cream but I found this article on "Men and Cellulite"....maybe it could help you looking at things in a different perspective and like Dibdab suggested, starts a new healthy lifestyle with the help of your future husband ;) http://www.beautylish.com/a/vpswv/body-by-kit-men-and-cellulite Anyway, unless you are still not aware of it, I tell you a secret. Most Americans don't look like those celebrities we saw on TV or magazines. Heck....a lot of the celebrities don't even look like they did on TV or magazines ;) Anyway, all the best. You would love San Francisco.
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Latest post on 05 January 2012 - 10:36
You seems to worry so much about your body. Will your honeymoon be the first time your future husband see you in your swimming suits and jeans? If not, please stop worrying about it, this very minute. If it is, stop worrying about it, this very minute as well!!! Look in the mirror and be happy with who you are. I don't think you would want to spend your wedding day thinking and worrying about the cellulite on your bum or thigh or any other imperfection that you suddenly find on yourself. It is the beginning of another journey in your life. With the man who you would spend the rest of your life with. Surely, there is much more to marriage then how you look on your honeymoon? "I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, A church filled with family and friends. I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for, He said one that would make me his wife." ~Author Unknown Have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon. May this marriage be everything that you ever wish for :) <em>edited by blimey on 05/01/2012</em>
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Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 12:59
I've tried Silkor and Dermacare for Microderm.. I however prefer Dermacare as I felt that their skin treatment was better with Oxygene and Vitamin C. While at Silkor it was not only more expensive but it was just a face mask after the microderm. Also at Silkor the girls were very pushy to sell you product and a package. Probably wouldnt go back again. Hi, where is dermacare ?? I have been researching about the best place for microdermabrasion and all posts suggests dermacare!! but i can not find the place , please help???!!!!! I could be wrong but I found this site: http://www.doctor-dubai.com/dr_info_display.asp?dr_id=1039
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Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 15:58
House of Cakes - pricey but don't taste nice at all :( Why don't you try Spinneys or Park N Shop? At Spinney's, a 2kg chocolate cake with image cost AED130. Park N Shop is a bit more, I think. Mister Baker is AED250 if I am not mistaken.
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Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 11:16
Sabah is so big and so many more natures and adventures to offer compares to Langkawi. I have been there several times but have not covered climbing the Mount Kinabalu or diving at Sipadan Island yet, unfortunately :( The last time I was in Kota Kinabalu, my family stayed at Karambunai. I wish I could remember the restaurant that my ex-colleagues took me to.....good seafood and very nice traditional kadazan dance. http://www.beautifulkk.com/2010/05/07/kinabatangan-safari http://www.beautifulkk.com/mt-kinabalu http://go2borneo.com/ http://www.dive-the-world.com/tourist-information-malaysia-sabah-activities.php http://tourborneo.com/Wildlife.htm
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Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 15:58
There are a lot of working parents out there that don't have a live in maid and seems to do just fine. Personally, I believe that it is all depend on how flexible your employer/boss would be when it comes to emergencies (i.e. sick child, nursery/school closed with no notice or during break time, etc). When my DD was a baby, she had ear infection on a regular basis causing her to have fever or flu constantly. So, we had to get a live in maid as we can't send her to nursery whenever she was sick and the bank that I used to work for would not tolerate me constantly taking time off. I work for a smaller, more flexible company now with less benefit but it sure helps a lot when it comes to emergencies ;) When my maid went for holiday last year, I sent DD to nursery after her school hours (she hated it), used agency for cleaning and ironing and did all the washing, cooking and school pick up myself. DH did help a bit with the housework but honestly,it was really tiring day in day out. I missed my maid a lot during that time :) Anyway, good luck. <em>edited by blimey on 28/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 09:17
Sorry, I haven't done it for awhile as I still lucky with the same one but I honestly don't think things have changed that much. I could be wrong as the Philippines government is very pro-active with new rules and regulation ....pertaining to maids' employment at least ;) If you use employment visa to bring her in, you would have to make sure she has documents to show the Immigration at their airports that she has attended necessary training. If not, you will have to bring her either through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore pretending that she is going there for holiday (separate tickets - Manila to KL/Spore, KL/Spore to Dubai). I bring my maid to Dubai using visit visa. I used one of the agencies in Al Attar Centre in Karama. The last time I checked, the fees (admin, processing, ticket, etc) cost about AED3300 - AED3500. You will have to have a copy of her passport to help them with the processing if I am not mistaken. HTH...good luck.
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Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 21:20
Sorry, it's a bit too late for tonight. For future, can give Gazebo a call ;-) http://www.gazebo.ae/
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Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 11:11
A few years ago, when my friend's complained of bed bugs in his house, I recommended using mattress protector after the spray didn't fully help. He and his wife have no bed bug problem after that. Maybe you would like to give it a try since they have a shop here in Karama. I don't know the exact location, so please call them. HTH http://www.protectabed.com/health-and-hygiene/bed-bug-treatment.aspx Froma General Trading LLC P.O. Box 114060 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3479192 Fax: +971 4 3477884 Cell: +971 50 6598290 Email: [email protected] <em>edited by blimey on 26/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 14:34
No.... UAE is a MUSLIM country There are still Muslim countries that declare 25th Dec as a public holiday! Name one!! Malaysia. It's a Muslim country with 50% Muslim population but we celebrate almost all religious holidays - Eid, Wesak, Deepavali, Christmas :) Nevertheless, considering only Christmas is a public holiday in western countries, I don't find it odd that UAE don't declare Christmas as a public holiday. <em>edited by blimey on 21/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 21:52
With AirAsia, get their "VIP" (I cannot remember what it is called!) service that allows you to stand in a separate express line. That allows you to get on the plane ahead of the rest and pick the front row seats if you want the leg space. We always get this with them so Hubby gets the extra leg space. It's called Hot Seat. You have to pay extra for the privilege of course but I do it all the times as I hate to queue when I have DD with me ;-)
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Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 15:01
In my day you bought aftershave or a CD haha... How times have changed Exactly! Now that time has changed, make me wonder too.....if your teenage kids want to buy "expensive" gift for their gf/bf, do you pay for it or they pay from their own allowance/saving? Back home they might have after school part time job but here? <em>edited by blimey on 12/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 16:19
I prefer Pangkor Island to Langkawi Island. You could go to the other side of Malaysia, i.e. Sabah or Sarawak on Borneo Island. I'd say Sabah. Jungle, beach, orangutans, turtle island. We're thinking of trying http://www.borneodream.com/ next time we're there. Completely agree. Sabah is big and offer various nature experience. If you like seafood, it is really cheap there too. I am not Sabahan but being there many times and always recommend it to my friends.
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 11:30
Obviously the cost of living is cheaper. I think it's also depend on where your DH work and where your children's school is. DH and I thought about buying property there a few years ago. Went to look at the property and tried the drive to and from. Changed our mind before we arrived Dubai. Not something we would want to do everyday ;) But I met a real estate agent who live there and work here. As his working hours are more flexible, he could plan his travel to avoid all the traffic. A lot of people from UAQ, Ajman & RAK work in Dubai or AD; they travel everyday and with all these alternative roads, it only take 40-45 min to get there from the New Dubai. The cost of living (including the rent) is cheaper than most of the Emirates. I know but it's not something that everybody willing to do. My house is less than 10 minutes to school, office and gym. DH think a trip from Jumeirah to Jebel Ali is far enough when I suggested moving to Mirdiff ;) I keep on getting calls about jobs in AD and I keep on saying NO, thanks. <em>edited by blimey on 07/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 10:54
Obviously the cost of living is cheaper. I think it's also depend on where your DH work and where your children's school is. DH and I thought about buying property there a few years ago. Went to look at the property and tried the drive to and from. Changed our mind before we arrived Dubai. Not something we would want to do everyday ;) But I met a real estate agent who live there and work here. As his working hours are more flexible, he could plan his travel to avoid all the traffic.
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Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 16:59
You can also try Little Wings International Nursery. They are open from 7.30am to 6.30am I believe. When my maid went back for her holiday last year, I put my DD there. They charged me AED15 an hour as she only stayed at the nursery after school hours. I think many nursery follow school terms. When it's school break, they will do "camp" time. DD's old nursery used to charge about AED200 to AED250 per day during this camp period. I don't know what happened to Little Wing's website but you could try calling and visit them. I think they are okay for temporary basis. http://www.dubaifaqs.com/little-wings-nursery-dubai.php
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 11:26
You could also try Little Wings International Nursery in Jumeirah 2 between Safa Park and Jumeirah Post Office. I don't know why their website is no longer active. I think they starts officially at 7.30am to 6.30pm but whenever I pass by the nursery in the morning, I could see parents dropping their kids off around 7am or so. HTH. http://www.dubaifaqs.com/little-wings-nursery-dubai.php <em>edited by blimey on 20/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 07:55
is the something like pregnancy zumba??? Although I found zumba class not "cardio" enough for my taste, I am not sure whether all those excitement would be good for pregnant women either. Anyway, In Shape Gym on beach road have exercise class for pregnant women that you may want to consider instead. Click on their class schedule. And then click on anti natal class. You can find the exercise description. http://www.inshapeme.com/fitness.html
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Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 10:23
Last year, the children at Safa school had a visit from Santa, classes were decorated with small fake christmas tree and a post box was put at building entrance/reception where children could put their christmas cards which were delivered to their friends or teachers throughout the school. I am pretty sure DD came back home singing a few christmas songs she learned at school too. <em>edited by blimey on 17/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 10:13
Turning 40 next year and the past few years have been the most wonderful time in my life. Look good, feel great, wonderful family, enjoyable career......I tell you Naveen, I don't miss being in my 20s at all and look forward to be forty and fabulous. Happy 30th birthday in advance. Always make time for yourself ;)
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 20:54
I am not a fan of antibiotics at all, so I will carry on my ever ending search for THE good pediatrician in Dubai! My DD goes to Dr. Keith Nicholl since she was a baby. He is as pricey as Dr. Khan and don't do direct billing with the insurance company. You would have to claim afterward. But he is really good. Doesn't shove antibiotics for every little sickness. He has been in Dubai over 20 years. If I am not mistaken, he used to practice at Great Ormond children hospital in the UK. http://www.keithnicholl.com/
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 15:51
There are many Pakistani schools here, why not contact some and enquire. They may have arrangements for their teachers. That's the thing, though I'm in search of schools nowadays for my 2 yr old, I still haven't found a Pakistani school. Well actually it's not in my list. But I'll definitely ask when i find one. Sorry, can't copy them in a better format. But you could always go the website ;-) http://www.dubaifaqs.com/schools-list-uae.php School Name Emirate/Town Tel Level Curriculum Qualifications School Fees Comments Al Amal English High School Sharjah +971-6-5222621 K-10 Pakistan FBISE AAEHS comments Al Farooq Pakistani Islamic School Dubai +971-4-2643848 K-10 Pakistan FBISE 2,200-3,650 Al Khaleej International School Sharjah +971-6-5660342 Pakistan FBISE Allama Iqbal School Dubai +971-4-3384284 Pakistan FBISE 1,500 AIS comments City Nursery Dubai Dubai closed nursery Pakistan Montessori CND comments Goodwill Children Private School Abu Dhabi +971-2-5526781 primary Pakistan GCPS comments Islamia English School Abu Dhabi +971-2-6417773 Pakistan O-level IES comments Islamia Intermediate College Abu Dhabi +971-2-6417773 Pakistan FBISE SSC, HSSC IIC comments Modern Pakistani School Abu Dhabi closed primary Pakistan 1,000-2,000 MPS comments Omer Bin Al Khattab Pakistan School Ajman +971-6-7467634 Pakistan FBISE 2,400-5,100 OBAKPS comments Pakistan Community Welfare School Abu Dhabi +971-2-5521898 K-10 Pakistan Pakistan Education Academy Dubai +971-4-3370126 K-12 Pakistan FBISE SSC, HSSC 3,740-6,280 PEA comments Pakistan English School Dubai +971-4-3930898 Pakistan FBISE Pakistan International School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi +971-2-4487271 K-10 Pakistan Pakistan Islamia School Al Ain Al Ain +971-3-7677878 K-12 Pakistan FBISE SSC 2,540-4,750 PISAA comments Pakistan Islamia School Fujairah Fujairah +971-9-2223130 K-12 Pakistan FBISE SSC, HSSC 1,250-2,250 PISF comments Pakistan Islamia Secondary School Ajman Ajman +971-6-7434374 K-12 Pakistan FBISE 3,100-6,650 PISSA comments Pakistan Islamia Secondary School RAK Ras Al Khaimah +971-7-2281146 Pakistan FBISE 1,150-3,200 PISSR comments Pakistan Islamia Secondary School Sharjah Sharjah +971-6-5670700 Pakistan FBISE 3,500-5,750 PISSS comments Pakistan National High School Dubai not found Pakistan Pakistani Embassy School Dubai Dubai Pakistan Sheikh Khalifa Pakistani School Abu Dhabi +971-2-4487160 K-12 Pakistan FBISE, FBIS SKPS comments Sheikh Rashid Pakistan School Dubai +971-4-2988303 K-12 Pakistan FBISE SSC 2,600-5,200 SRPS comments The City International School Dubai +971-4-2899722 K-12 Pakistan/UK A-level, IGCSE, O-level 11,000-18,000 TCIS comments <em>edited by blimey on 16/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 15:37
hi, I would like to know what is the pay scale for teachers here in Dubai. My sis in law is interested and she is Pakistani. Also what is the minimum salary required to be able to sponsor your kids. At a guess I would say between Dh1,500 - Dh 4,000. Cripes ! as low as 1,500 I bet that doesnt include accomodation does it ? Housemaids get more then that ! http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/asian-teachers-want-pay-parity-2011-02-22-1.359221
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 20:47
I am looking for somewhere or someone to leave my 11m old with whist at work, 8am to 6pm sunday to thursday. We realistically have a budget of 1.5 to 2k a month but if we found the perfect person we would negotiate if needs be! Can someone please help, i needs something sorting Asap. The looking is hard enough as i don't wanna really leave my boy as it is :( I don't know where is your house or office location. Both of these nurseries are affordable and located in Jumeirah 2 and 3. Little Wings used to have a website but I don't know what happen to their website now. Anyway, you can visit them and see whether they would suit your need. I don't know about New Nursery but Little Wings is from 7.30am to 6.30am if I am not mistaken. HTH. http://www.dubaifaqs.com/little-wings-nursery-dubai.php http://www.dubaifaqs.com/new-nursery-school-dubai.php
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 12:49
GoodMorning, sunway lagoon looks like alot of fun! thanks for sharing. If you go to KL, you could also take your children to: 1. bird park - http://klbirdpark.com/ 2. Petrosains, The Discovery Centre - http://www.petrosains.com.my/ 3. Aquaria - http://www.aquariaklcc.com/ (There is a playground and KLCC park near Aquaria for your children to play) 4. Lake garden - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298570-d451263-Reviews-Lake_Gardens_Park-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html 5. Camping /Trekking - http://openskyunlimited.com/v1.0/ Whenever we are back in KL, we prefer to stay at service apartment. We usually stay at either PNB Darby Park or Fraser Place. Anyway, you can also refer to Tripadvisor guide. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g298570-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan-Hotels.html
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Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 15:39
I know that the Thai government said that 80% of Bangkok would not be affected but do you really want to go to Bangkok now considering the flood? 10 days are quite a long time. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/29/bangkok-floods-redcross-warning http://uk.news.yahoo.com/bangkok-residents-defy-crocodile-warning-063528253.html
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:41
been to India... what about Malaysia, can anyone make any recommendations? Like everywhere else in SEA, end of the year is raining season but most of the times, the rain will come pouring and then stop and you would get sunshine almost immediately. Avoid east part of Malaysia like Perhentian or Redang Islands as it rains more in that part at this time of the year. Depend on what you want, really. Penang Island is famous for food and livelier compare to the other islands in Malaysia but even as Penangite, I don't rate our beaches well. I like Langkawi....some of the exclusive hotels like Tanjung Rhu, Andaman, etc are really nice but I do have friend who find places like that boring as the hotels are a bit isolated. I haven't been to Pangkor for ages but I used to love that small island. Won't recommend Tioman. I personally love Sabah for its nature and cheap seafood and have been there many times. If you are fit, you could even attempt to climb Mount Kinabalu ;-) Sabah is big, so its attractions are scattered in various places (i.e. Sipadan Island is famous for diving, Sipalok for the orang utan, etc). Its capital, Kota Kinabalu, is just like a small town.....definitely not for shopping. <em>edited by blimey on 31/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 10:06
Hi blimey, I have accepted the offer from the English college and due to start in the new year. Do you have your DD in FS2, if so, would love to be in contact. Would be great to know someone already on the first day.:) edited by SADI AG on 31/10/2011 Yes Sadi AG, DD will be in FS2 as well. I would be happy to meet up but as I work full time, could only do it at weekend or this Eid holiday. <em>edited by blimey on 03/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 08:55
DH and I have been living in Dubai for 6 years and have never been blessed with any housing or school package. The first year was okay but we didn't have DD then and DH came here on his own first for 4 months. Despite no package, we are still better off here than we would if we live in either UK or my home country. Of course, we only have 1 kid as being independent from both our governments and employer, one is probably all we could really afford on our own. Even though we are still without any package, our financial situation have improved so much over the years. Anyway, have your DH approached his employer about getting under their insurance thru monthly deduction from his salary? That's what my colleagues and I do as it is cheaper to do it that way rather than getting the insurance on our own. And as Desertdoc suggest, health card is a good option as well. Good luck....hope you will see light at the end of tunnel.
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Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:25
Mum2girls, ur giving ur maid 24k at the end of the year!? I might misunderstood her but she did say she pays her maid 2000 per month and give a 1 year bonus. <em>edited by blimey on 25/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 16:17
I will not be giving her a salary increase, I will give her a one year bonus (which she already owes back to me!). PS Blimey, most organisations do align their salaries to the market. edited by mum2girls on 25/10/2011 Sure but market rate usually has a range. Anyway, my point is that the minimum salary of Filipina maids stipulated by their government is AED1500. If the maid has been working with the same employer for a few years and doing a good job, I would not expect her salary to stay at AED1500. So, if I am hiring a Filipina maid who has been in Dubai/UAE for a few years, it would make sense that her current salary could be higher than AED1500. As the way I see it, unless we are made redundant or got terminated from our current job, surely we won't move to a new job unless it offers a better remuneration package? You have a different strategy by giving your maid 1 year bonus. Your maid is very lucky to get AED24K on top on her salary. Not many employer could or would give 1 year bonus.....a few months would be highly appreciated but most staff do expect or hope for annual increment. We give our maid Christmas "angpow" and annual increment.
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Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:40
Singapore Sling or anybody else, can you recommend a dentist in KL or Penang? I'll be there in two weeks and thought I'd take the chance to have a check up cheaper than I'd pay in Dubai. Thanks :) Unless it's operation or root canal, I usually go to government dentist as it only cost me MYR1.00 for the service. A well known fertility expert in Malaysia recommend this dentist on his FB if you want to try: http://bangsardental.com/about-us/fees-payment.html
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Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 15:32
We give our maid AED200 increment every year as she is a gem. I personally do not think 2000 is outrageous as long as you are happy with her and want her to continue working for your family. Imagine our employer refuse to increase our salary just because he/she think it would be too high for market rate even though we totally deserve it ;-)
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Latest post on 25 October 2011 - 10:47
Morning Seriously, am struggling to do this everyday and its getting to the point I dont want to do this anymore and its getting boring and so repetitive even when I have my own music on! Im still level 1! pufff I cant see any results (yes I am Impatient) I make note of the days I do the shred and last week I managed 5 days in a row no weekends then the following week did 4 days and this week I did sun and today I missed yesterday! Ive given up. :( edited by Fr!zzyBusY on 25/10/2011 Don't give up on exercise as if you do it right, it will change your lifestyle. Maybe the Shred doesn't suit you. I personally find it boring as it is too slow for my taste. Some people have a great self discipline and can push themselves to the max but some people, need others to push them......so they need personal trainer or at least go to exercise classes rather than doing all the exercise themselves. Maybe you should find an exercise that you would truly enjoy as it will make a lot of different. I love running around Safa Park but couldn't push myself on treadmill as I got bored quickly. I love cardio and upbeat dance music.....so I enjoy step, aerobic, bodypump classes. I started exercise two years ago and now my body crave for it ;-) Good luck!!
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Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 13:17
You can try this expat website. It's nothing like expatwoman though as your queries might not get answered promptly but I think you may still find some information ;-) http://www.alloexpat.com/malaysia_expat_forum/ As majority of the populations are Malaysian and not foreigners, you will find that not many people drive 4WD in KL. Most Malaysian drive local or japanese cars. Only well off locals and expats drive big fancy cars .....just like you would see in UK ;-) Accommodation cost really depend on the location. Most famous locations would be Bangsar, Ampang, Damansara, Mont Kiara, etc. If you shop at Carrefour, Giant, Tesco and Jusco, I don't think the grocery cost would be much different but in KL, they sure don't get away with selling bad vegetables and fruits. Cheaper shopping option if you go to wet market or night market....plenty around KL. International schools fees are pretty much similar to here the last time I checked but honestly, I think they have much better reputation and quality. <em>edited by blimey on 24/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 08:47
Did they mention anything about how they communicate with parents? Are parents actively involved in their children's education at the school?( Like many schools, EC also uses emails as their communication channel. Right after I paid the deposit, DD's name is on the school systems and I have started receiving emails from school already with regard to their activities. I am not sure whether or not they use communication book. As for parents' involvement, unless it's major issues such as the one that Greensfield Community School is currently facing, I am personally not so keen to be actively involved. Based on the one and only PTA meeting I attended at DD's current school, PTA activities here are quite different from what we have in my country. Anyway, if you do decide to accept the offer in the end, do let me know ;-)
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Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 15:44
Can't help you with making up your mind whether or not EC would be better to your DD's current school. We however did attend EC's open day recently. Students from Year 6 acted as tour guides to parents/family on that day which we found quite refreshing. The students seem very happy and very proud of their school. The school's administration was at the reception at the end of tour to answer any query. The FS area is separated from the other primary students area and have their own reception and playground. For FS students, you will drop them off at FS reception at 7.45am and they will make their own way to their classes which are just behind the reception area.The playground is shaded and have gate around it. Each FS class has its own sandy area just outside their classroom for children to play. We didn't get the chance to talk to FS2 teacher as the school was still in session at that time. We did talk to FS1 teachers and their assistants, music teacher and art teacher. The school has great facilities for the fees that they charge and of course, we could only compare their facilities to the one of our kid's current school. They have a big gym and swimming pool, playing field, a music room, drama/choir room, arts room, science room, two computer labs and all over the school, you could see the projects that children of each year are learning and working on. I know it's not much info to help you decide. For us, we like what we see and we do know ppl that have children there both in primary and high school. So, it's easy to accept their offer despite protest from the little one. Anyway, good luck with your decision making. I am going through a tough time convincing DD that this change will be good for her in the long run ;-) <em>edited by blimey on 23/10/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 21:18
There are millions of phd's who are raising their kids at home, [b'>putting their working lives on hold to nurture the next generation. [/b'> This kind of statement can be offensive to working moms too. Just because we CHOOSE or have to work full time, doesn't make any of the working moms less nurturing. We women are so good at putting each other's down. Stay at home vs career moms, working moms with nanny/maid vs working mom with nursery, "I can't leave my children with maid" vs "going to salon and gym" moms, etc. At the end of the day, it's about the choice we made in our life. It's nobody business at the end of the day. Be happy with the choice you made, have no regret and do the best you can for your own family. <em>edited by blimey on 04/10/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 13:51
Where do you get No. 7 and MAC products in Dubai, didn't see them at Paris Gallery No. 7 from Boots and there are MAC counters in Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta, MOE (inside HN) and Dubai Festival City.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 10:25
Dr. Mahmoud Bahgat performed minor operation on DD's ears 2 years ago to insert gromits. He was really good and DD felt very comfortable with him during consultation and follow up session. Touch wood....DD has no more problem these days and have been very healthy in comparison to prior her operation. Dr. Mahmoud office is on Al Wasl Road (04-3499100), not far from the post office. He performs operation at European Belhoul Hospital at Dune Centre and another hospital that I can't remember. HTH.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 21:03
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.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 13:57
Me too. I was thinking about the Zumba class in the Lakes Hayya of an evening after work. Check Zumba out - it looks like real fun and more liek a dance class rather than boring excercise! excuse my ignorance but whats the difference between zumba and a normal dancing class/excercise? Not sure how to explain the difference but maybe you could get the idea from the examples of some of the exercise classes available ;) : zumba http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm7DyRjtWRc body pump http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3PbVMD_aro step aerobic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8F2zHgBvWU&feature=related six pack http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8F2zHgBvWU&feature=related body combat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFVZ8GKa4FY&feature=related
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 09:38
Thanks for the reply..Well maybe I am being a bit too optimistic! My husband's job offers are ranging from 20- 25k, so our joint income should be around 35 - 40k, but do you think this is still living hard? I know the cost of living is very high..anyone care to shed some light aprox on their monthly outgoings? Would really appreciate it! Also, please comment on what you think someone's minimum salary should reach in order to be able to live a stable life..( not necessarily a high life!) Thanks! Definitely doable. We made less than that between us when we came 6 years ago and company didn't pay any shipping of goods for us. We just came with our bags.....started a brand new life. We are in much much better position now but still no housing allowance whatsoever or school fees. We eat out at weekends, travel a bit every year and still manage to save a bit. As you have a 9 months old, you would have to choose either to have a maid or send your baby to nursery. There are affordable nurseries with UK curriculum out there ;) Good luck!!
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 09:03
I used European Vet last Christmas for my cat. They charged me AED50 a day including food. Jumeirah Tower on SZR
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 08:17
I have used yahoo travel before to get my flight to europe but never to KL. http://ach.travel.yahoo.net/flights/AirSearch.do?SEQ=1306988070137512011 From KL to Langkawi, you could always go for airasia (www.airasia.com).
 
 
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