carymama | ExpatWoman.com
 

carymama

carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:16
Haven't used them but have been to a birthday party there and it was great! lovely venue and good food :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 14:58
Cheeky Monkeys Al Barsha also has princess parties :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 23:11
If you can get the first row seats (the bulk head ones), that would be great because they would have more leg room (and you wouldn't have to worry about them kicking the seat in front of them and bothering other passengers). I've done long haul flights with 2 toddlers without giving them medicine (in case it might them hyper instead!) and would advise packing a couple of things that make them comfortable to sleep with when it's time for their nap (i.e if they sleep with certain pillows/blankies/stuffed toys) and they wear their PJs so they are comfy. For the times when they are bored/awake, I find the inflight entertainment to usually be sufficient but I always take an iPad and other things like coloring books, pencils, a couple of new small toys, lots of snacks etc. Hope that helps :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 22:56
Yes, it is possible but your maid would have to resign and her current sponsor (the cleaning agency) would have to cancel her visa. You would then have 30 days to transfer her onto your sponsorship (and she wouldn't have to exit the country). It helps if she is nearing the end of her contract otherwise her agency would probably be reluctant to cancel her visa and let her go.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2013 - 15:40
I bought them from Spinneys in Motor City ( a year ago)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2013 - 14:10
Have you tried Lulu? They usually have a decent variety and at very reasonable prices.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 13:26
Thanks for your feedback ladies. I will check out both options. ToutSweetParis, do the apartments rent out for a week too or does it have to be for longer?
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 09:59
Hi ladies, I would be really grateful for any recommendations for family friendly hotels in Paris (preferably centrally located). Will be traveling there this summer with 2 kids. Suggestions for short-term serviced apartments would be welcome too. Thanks in advance :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 17:13
I know how frustrating this is because we had the same experience. Best to give your landlord a fixed time ONCE a week (like a 30 min-1hr block) and ask them to accommodate all the viewings during that time slot.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 17:13
Thanks for the feedback ladies! Sounds like either way it will be a long wait :(
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 13:33
Thanks for your reply KH, I did call the consulate and they suggested a walk in but I'm guessing if she even gets the chance to be seen, she will probably have to wait the entire day.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 13:16
Yes - Emirates is really expensive! :(
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:37
Just over 20%.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:30
1. Yes, there's an abaya shop in the Lulu near MOE. It's on the top floor. 2. Try NEXT for off-season woolly pjs. They were having a sale last week I think - mostly last season's clothes.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:19
It's best call them and find out exactly what you need. They are really helpful on the phone. 04 404 8444. The Canadian Consulate is now located in Emirates Towers. Just remember to take the exact payment in cash because they don't accept credit cards or provide change! Also, best to go as early as possible (by 8am if you can) as it's quicker then. Make sure you fill out the right passport form (there is a different one if the passports were valid for only 2 years instead of 5). Hope that helps! <em>edited by carymama on 24/04/2013</em>
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 14:09
Marina Mall can be quite pleasant in the evenings with kids. You could eat dinner there and then step out on the Marina Walk..they have go-karts, buggies etc there for kids to ride on..as well as an ice skating rink (not sure how popular the skating is but lots of kids out on the go-karts).
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 13:42
Hi nspree, you have to pre-book the tennis courts in the Ranches, which you can do online but I guess if the court is empty then you could probably go ahead and use it :) Alvoradas are lovely, and one of the newer parts of AR. Traffic is only a problem if you are trying to exit through the Um Suqeim Roundabout between 7.10 and 8 am. It can take over 15 mins to get through then. If you leave before or after that - then no problem - you would be out in a couple of mins as Alvorada 2 is pretty close to the roundabout/exit.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 15:53
I just went through the security gates in Alvorada and Palmera and I wasn't stopped or asked any questions.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 14:19
Have always had a good experience with Home Maids. They do 4 hour sessions, Aed 30/hr.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 13:11
I would agree with morning glory you really don't need to use a financial advisor, I would contact a few banks directly to see what loan terms they are offering for mortgages. I know RAK Bnk were offering mortgages start with them. Good luck 100% agree, I wasted 5000AED on a mortgage advisor who was asking me for all the contacts of the banks I had spoke to to get me the "best deal" and always came up with the same price that the bank/mortgage company offered me, he then wanted an additional 2% of the sale price so I just forfeited the 5000 and went directly with the bank. Thanks for your feedback! Which bank would you recommend?
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 12:47
Thanks for your feedback ladies!
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 12:42
Cheeky Monkeys in Al Barsha mall is not too far away from TECOM and they have a decent sized play area.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 20:16
Thank you ladies for your very helpful feedback :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 13:47
So we're seriously considering buying a home in Arabian Ranches after renting for years. I would be grateful for any advice I can get regarding working with a mortgage consultant. 1. Any mortgage consultant in particular that you can recommend that you've had a great experience with? 2. It seems that financial advisors/mortgage consultants initially prepare a free report for you based on your finances, and then if you choose to go ahead with them, they then prepare your mortgage pre-approval. Is it better to get a couple of different pre-approvals done or would all mortgage consultants prepare the same thing? Sorry if this question sounds a bit stupid - am totally new to this! Thanks in advance!
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:00
Probably the amount of empty villas doesn't help... Are there a lot of empty villas in the Arabian Ranches? There are around me... Hi Pikachu, what part of the Ranches are you in? We are house hunting and checked in Saheel and Alvorada but not that many empty villas there.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 15:30
Great!!! Thanks for that...quicker drive back to AR from Dubai Mall now :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 15:13
great, thanks for the replies :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 12:54
*Bump* Does any one know of any ongoing sales at baby/kids stores? thanks in advance!
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 12:34
Unfortunately this is the policy now of all Al Shaya stores (H&M, Pottery Barn etc). I agree, VERY frustrating that we can't get a refund especially if we return the items so quickly.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 08:07
Have you checked in any of the larger Borders stores? (MoE, Ibn Battuta) They always carry an extensive collection of Melissa & Doug products..
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2013 - 15:03
We've used VRBO.com to find furnished apts in Orlando and Miami and were very happy with location and standard. You could try to find something in LA and SF using this site. Thanks so much! Will look at that website now.. :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 16:44
Oooh, that was speedy! Thanks! Where is Decathlon? It's in Mirdiff City Centre. I bought a swimming cap from Go Sports in Ibn Battuta last week.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:57
Yes, it is cheaper and if I'm not mistaken, there's a sale going on right now too (best to call and check before going through!)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:43
Check out IFA www.ifasport.com They have football classes at different venues but also at JESS in AR
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:39
I see furnished rentals advertised sometimes on Dubizzle.com. Try checking there :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2013 - 12:36
thank you so much...much appreciated!
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 13:07
Hi ladies, was wondering if any of you might have any feedback for the following clinics? Would be grateful for any personal recommendations/feedback. Thanks in advance! Conceive Fertility Hospital Bourn Hall Clinic Fakih IVF Clinic
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 15:17
I have always found Home Maids professional and they come to the Ranches but you need a minimum 4 hr booking (Aed 30/hr).
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 20:41
Home Maids charge 30 aed/hr. Their number is 8006243. I've found them to be reliable and punctual. You could call them to see if they service your community?
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 22:24
Hmm...from what I've read, the medical can be done after the pink slip is issued...wondering if anyone else can confirm this please?
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 19:16
Hi ladies - I'm posting this here instead of on the maid's forum because we are really short on time. We are planning to hire a maid whose previous sponsor has cancelled her visa and just given her passport and cancellation papers to her. Her visa was cancelled on Feb 13 which means she has 30 days to legally stay in the country. My husband (the new sponsor) will be traveling on the 11th so he has just tomorrow to start the new visa process. From other posts, this is what I think he needs to get done tomorrow - however, if I'm missing anything, I would be so grateful if you can help out! 1. Take his passport, maid's passport copy, passport photos, cancellation slip, salary certificate, tenancy contract, dewa bill, registration copy from Ejari, maid's current labor card and emirates ID card to a DRND office. (He's going from Barsha so would it be better to go to the Jebel Ali one?) 2. Take documents to a typing center to get official application typed out (is there a typing center in or near the Jebel Ali DRND office?) 3. Go to immigration office visa section, submit application, pay deposit at bank counter, pay in-country visa fee, return with proof of payment to the visa counter to collect the new visa (pink slip). After getting the pink slip (which I read is valid for 30 days), can we continue the remainder of the residency process when my husband is back in town after a week? Thank you in advance for any input!! :)
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 13:27
Thanks so much! It is so wonderful of you to be doing this. I will send you an email :) <em>edited by carymama on 04/03/2013</em>
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 14:19
I collect every year for the NW Frontier of Pakistan. There are many, many very poor people up there who have been displaced by the Taliban and are in great need of daily basics. I get several large cartons together and send them (or sometimes take them) during the summer. If you would like to donate these clothes, I can guarantee you that they will go directly to those most in need and they will make dua for you. Let me know through this forum. I can arrange for collection. Thanks. Hi mrsb., I would like to donate clothes. How can I get in touch with you? Thanks in advance!
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 09:25
Ah no wonder! So another smooth traffic morning tomorrow! :D
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 09:21
Wondering why the traffic in the morning was so clear this morning in the Ranches (around 7.15am). Usually it takes 10-15 mins just to get through the roundabout opposite Studio City. Any schools had a day off today?
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 13:48
Thanks Carymama... have you seen dr ahari yourself? Yes, I went for a consultation and was satisfied. I liked that she didn't push me to have any treatments or try and convince me to buy products etc. She can sign an insurance claim form too.
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 12:19
Dr. Simin Ahari, on Jumeirah Beach Rd. 04 344 4117
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 15:41
Had the same in my family for the past week! Definitely a stomach bug going around..
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 21:08
Hi ladies...I'm looking for a drum kit for my 5 year old. I've seen them at ELC that are age 3+ but I'm looking for something that might last a couple more years. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
carymama
346
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 14:15
Infinity Clinic at Al Wasl Road. Dr. Michael Loubser is an allergy specialist. I think a consultation with him is AED 400 and then the allergy tests are additional of course. Probably around 2000 AED if you are doing a range of different foods.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing