CdnExpat70 | ExpatWoman.com
 

CdnExpat70

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 18:09
Thanks so much Sue!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 17:18
I agree with what Sue says - any rent that you receive for a property is considered income...and the NR4 is required of all non-residents with rental properties. The fact that you are taking a loss (due to the current market for us we are also taking a loss each month) will come to play when you file your tax return. Then, the mortgage interest, maintenance costs, management fees, etc can be deducted to determine if you receive a refund from the % you pay from your NR4 every month. Sue - are you willing to share the contact details of your CA in Toronto with us? Our properties are all in ALberta, but we aren't too impressed with our Calgary firm and are hoping to find someone who is well versed in non-resident issues, etc that we deal with.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 13:19
Thanks desert_doggie, I will look into the DNATA website or maybe give them a call. I thought that the fees were discounted though if you booked through Emirates or Etihad. I'm afraid the Canadian government website is no help whatsoever - the links for info on obtaining visas get you no where and there is really no useful information. Has anyone else done this recently?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 13:16
We own 3 revenue properties in Canada. I was never aware that there were ever limits on the amount - as long as you are declaring the income and paying the taxes. Our accountant has never said anything either, but I'm not sure if it's because we only have 3...but we've been non-residents for years and have never had an issue. We have our properties professionally managed and a % held back and sent to the government each month (as is required of non-residents). None of our properties have ever been our residence, they were all purchased strictly as revenue properties (I know that sometimes that can be an issue in regards to Revenue Canada considering you a non-resident or not.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 19:18
Aleta, there are direct flights only from Toronto with Emirates. I believe they fly on Mon/Wed and Fridays direct on an A380.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 18:54
So, my dad booked his flight and tried to start the work for his visa - but could only find the possibility on the Emirates website to do the 30 day or the transit visa. I saw on this link - http://www.emirates247.com/business/visas-for-canadians-at-under-70-2011-01-03-1.337245 that there is a parent/in-law 90 day possibility for 1155AED - does anyone know how to do this? I know that we have to wait until closer to their travel date (they are flying Jan 16th) but I want to look at all the available options first to make sure we don't have any troubles, or can save money in any way. Has anyone gone the parent/in-law route?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 October 2011 - 18:22
Thanks Maplemimi - I know what you mean about varying answers, haha - pretty typical here in Dubai. That's why I wanted to post this to see if there was a consolidation of information and if anyone had recently been through the process. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 15:38
That's great - may go check them out myself!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 15:06
Personally, I would pay for the glasses. To me, that falls under health care - if they are needed everyday. Where did you manage to find glasses for 500AED? I'm a family of 4 who all need glasses, wish we could get off that lucky!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 14:27
Are you looking for a pancake syrup? American Garden makes a sugar free maple flavoured one that isn't half bad. I discovered it when looking for gluten free for my daughter (it's also gluten free)...I bought it at Le Marche in Arabian Ranches, but they are a part of Geant - so probably at any of the Geant stores?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 13:35
Hi finky, We lived in Perth for almost 3 years (left in June 2009). Regarding Schools - I have friends who's children both attended and graduated from John XXIII in Mt Claremont. It's got a great reputation as far as Catholic Privates. It is not a single *** school There is also Iona Presentation in Mosman Park - great school, I think the upper school is girls only, although the primary school (which is just a few blocks away) is mixed. Catchment will not matter if you are attending a private school - but bear in mind that there are no school buses. Some of the upper schools have some dedicated public buses that service the school....so I wouldn't suggest living too far from the school or you will find yourself spending a lot of time in your car with drop offs and pick ups. Definitely stick to the western suburbs if your budget will allow. Subiaco is nice. We lived in Claremont, and in Wembley. Some suburbs to check out are: City Beach, Wembly Downs, Wembley, Floreat, Subiaco, Nedlands, Claremont, Cottesloe, Mossman Park, and many of the surrounding ones to those. The cost of living is VERY high in Perth...and from my friends that are still there the cost of food has been rising and they are not at all happy about that - there are times when she's had to pay almost $13/kilo for bananas. I remember almost dying when a very small punnet of blueberries was $12. Petrol is very expensive as well. So be prepared for that. HOWEVER....Perth is a wonderful place to be with families. It's a bit of a sleepy town - shops will all close at 5pm (even supermarkets except the odd IGA store)...many are still not open on Sundays, and the only late shopping is THursday evenings. But, it's got the best climate for active living. If you live in the western suburbs you can usually be at either the beach on the ocean or the beach on the river in a matter of minutes. There are many many well kept sports fields and lots of playgrounds. People are pretty friendly, and there are so many options for sports activities for the kids - both through the school and beyond. It really is a nice place. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 August 2011 - 09:45
We've flown long hauls between Dubai and North America both in an A380 and a B777 - I wouldn't say economy class was much different between them, except that the A380 I felt had more seat space (but not a huge amount more). Everything else (sevice, entertainment system, etc) was the same as other planes. With the A380 I think the real difference comes when you go business/first. It was a comfortable ride though, so have fun! :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 13:48
Hi Helsbells1! I sent you an email! I'm very interested in helping get this off the ground for September!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 08:01
I guess it depends on how quickly you want to get your deposit back as well. Your dh can provide a NOC to the new employer - and I believe a transfer is quicker and easier than a cancel/re-apply. For us - the current employer went with dh and all the paperwork was taken care of on the same day...but because we had to get the medical that day - we had to wait for the results, collect them and bring that with her passport and her back to immigration to have the visa stamped....so the quickest for sure would be to have her medical done a few days before the transfer, then if dh went with new employer, you could possibly get your deposit back right away, I believe.... Not positive though, as we did the medical after the initial paperwork so it took a few more days, and then we faxed a copy of her new visa to the old employer so he could get his deposit back.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 09:28
The other day I went to Gladys Salon in MC to see about getting mani/pedi and to ask about Gelish type longer wearing polish (since I'd seen recommendations on here for them). The ladies were not at all helpful, couldn't be bothered to explain to me the differences in the nail treatments - I'm a newbie to regular nail care so really don't know the difference. I left and decided to forget it, but as I did the turnaround to head home to MC Green Community I noticed the flag/sign saying Chi was opened! I also use the Aussie hairdresser and had forgotten that it was opening - pulled in and the place is beautiful!!! Very "zen" inside - much more relaxing atmosphere than I'd seen at Gladys...and lucky for me the hairstylist was at the desk! I had a Gelish manicure/regular pedi - and the service was really great, the girls were fantastic...and cost was reasonable! I enjoyed it so much I am treating my daughters tomorrow to an "end of school year" mani/pedi before we head back to Canada!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:15
xanzec - Sorry, I don't check the boards that often - I believe they bring their current medical records card (that they get when they did their physical from last year - shows their immunizations, etc), their passport, etc (I would call the medical clinic first to make sure you have all that you need. If the current sponsor is providing a NOC, and isn't needing to get his deposit back on the same day as the transfer, you can wait until after to get the medical. DinAces21 - There is a typing center attached to the immigration building (that is where dh had it done) - he did it all the same day - went there with the current sponsor, had it typed, paid the fee, and then moved on to the next step automatically. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 08:09
We've had Shampooch come to our house. The lady took our Beagle to the van - he came back happy and super clean. It was so convenient...the girl was very good too. He usually does not let anyone clip his nails and they end up having to grind them (he had an accident where a nail was pulled out on him last year and he's been skiddish every since)...yet he loved her and let her clip them no troubles! Shampooch - 04 344 9868
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 17:11
I had a very similar experience with earlybird so stopped using them all together. I got so tired of them either not showing up, or they'd come and tell me they had no water that day! They ran out! Sounds like some of you have had great service...I gave them many many chances over several weeks, and not 1 time did my entire order arrive (they always were "out" of something...and I was only ordering either Masafi 4G, Oasis 5G or lemon mint Blu)....and this was when they actually showed up!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:55
We were cheering for Boston here - dh's all time fave sports hero is Bobby Orr... but was so sad to see/hear what happened in Vancouver! That is not the Canadian way! The sad thing is those houligans would have caused trouble if Vancouver had won or lost...just idiots!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 10:43
We've recently started with Nicolas and Asp College in Healthcare City for our 12 year old and have been very pleased. We have good insurance coverage and still chose to go here after hearing so many wonderful recommendations! Have no complaints at all so far - very professional front end staff, the dentist treating dd has been just wonderful, the Professor has also been really good. I also love that the price even includes the retainers.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 20:09
We are in a GCMC Townhouse and absolutely love it here! My kids love the neighbourhood - and I'm comfortable with them heading to the park with their friends (they are 11 and 13). We have a little Spinney's market, an Al Arab restaurant, a Chemist/Pharmacy, a coffee shop and soon to be pizza within walking distance - there is a walking gate from the Green Community into the shopping centre parking lot. It's so convenient. We have never once experienced a real traffic slow down getting out of Motor City - not even when the races are on. THe sound proofing of the windows in our villa are amazing, and you truly cannot hear any of the cars when inside the house with windows closed. They have opened up the entrance coming in between Motor City and Sports City off of Emirates Road that gets you right into Green Community without having to go way around and past the Uptown Motor City apartments - it's quite quick (I can't wait until we can also get out that way! We have 3 community pools, each with an exercise room that has a treadmill, elliptical, weights, etc. I love that the whole community is connected by walkways - to all the ponds, parks, green spaces. I am torn about the lack of privacy in the back yard - on the one hand I would prefer to have the high private fences that AR has (especially since we have a beagle who loves to howl at every passer-by)...but on the other hand, I love the feel of the community with the all the walkways in between the villas and the friendly feel it has... All in all we are very happy here.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:38
We had Churchill come out to our place a couple weeks back. They did one of our area rugs (also not silk or persian) - as well as a huge sectional sofa and chair. We were very pleased with them. They didn't take the carpet out, just steam cleaned it right there. http://churchill-gulf.com/contactus.asp
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 22:02
I'm not sure why my post was deleted - I didn't think I was being offensive at all. We absolutely LOVED our time in Perth - I think it's an amazing place. I was only speaking of the challenges we faced with education, since we knew we were not going to be there forever, so choosing between the Australian system or the 1 International option had it's challenges. I don't think I was clear about the unwelcoming part, Livelytrish - I couldn't find the right words to describe it and it wasn't a statement about the people at all (as I said I made some really wonderful friends there), just a statement on the dynamics of being a new kid amongst children who have grown up there - it was just different than moving overseas and into a school filled with other expat children. We found the same thing when we moved to the US and the kids went to a local school...so it wasn't necessarily a terrible thing - just one of the challenges associated with moving with children. It just took them a little longer to feel comfortable with a group of friends. fairycakeyumm - good luck, I hope it works out for you! It is truly a laid back place, we LOVED that about it! And the Aussies are some of the friendliest people we've ever met (we really miss that).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 20:17
Yes - they are unlocked phones, so ok with all updates, etc. I believe I paid around 2400AED for a 32GB phone, and I think the non-contract ones were 2800AED? but don't quote me, this was back in January and my memory isn't so great these days (I'm blaming all the dust, haha).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 09:16
We've moved around a lot - my children have been in the Canadian, Australian, IB, and American curriculum schools... I did very much love the IB system, it really focuses on critical thinking...encourages "outside the box"....and both my children did very well. I considered both American and IB when coming here, as my oldest is now in 7th grade and I'm thinking ahead to diploma. I compromised...went with the American curriculum but offering the IB diploma. The one thing for sure for us was I prefered the IB diploma over the AP (US) in High School, as I'm not sure where in the world we'll end up at that time, and there's a good chance my children will choose to go to Uni in Canada. Have you taken a browse through www.ibo.org ? It has some useful information about the program. What are your future plans? Will you likely be moving to another international location or to a school in the US? IB schools are not to difficult to find usually in common Expat international locations, and there are many great schools...but depending on what are of the US you may/may not end up, it may be more of a challenge to find a school offering IB (although that is changing all the time, they brought in IB to our school district in Texas last year). In all honesty, though - I've had such great experiences with both curriculums I couldn't honestly say I prefered one over the other. I would likely have chosen a school that offered IB through Primary years if we hadn't gotten placement at DAA (which was our #1 choice). I say tour the schools and go for the overall best fit for your child/ren. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 11:33
Thanks Izzy99 - I was unsure if they'd be in a different, blocked area of the airport and I would be unable to access them. Their layover on the way is only 4 hours, so with deplaning and having to board their next flight, we only really have time to visit at the airport this time. I appreciate it!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 11:32
Yes, when they have them in stock. I got my Du iphone through Virgin Megastore in MOE (they sell the Du ones with contract at lower cost, but also had the handsets not tied to any provider) :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 11:19
The easiest way is for transfer of sponsorship - is this a possibility? That way, all you would need is a NOC letter from the current sponsor, or to have current sponsor go with you to immigration to sign off. Can't offer any help if it left to expire the 25th. SOrry, good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 17:00
ABBA (when it's just me and the daughters), Bon Jovi, Meatloaf....most 80's hair bands...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 16:55
I don't think scaret fever usually comes with a cough...but if it is the group A Streptococcus (Scarlet fever and strep throat) she will need antibiotics, so it certainly wouldn't hurt to get her checked out. My friend's 6 year old just tested positive for Strep this morning as well(he goes to ASD - not sure if that is your dd's school)....so it is going around. Good luck, hope she's feeling better soon. I'm not sure where you live, but we've been to the Motor City Medicentre and the Dubai Mall Medical Clinic and have been pretty happy with both places. ****ooops, I see you are on the Palm, so I guess my suggestions won't work for you! Good luck! <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 01/06/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 16:06
We just did this about 2 weeks ago...pretty simple process. The current sponsor came to Immigration with the maid and met my dh there - most of the info is on this thread... http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=137754 HTH - let me know if you need any other clarification! Good Luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 08:32
I am now halfway through the final book. I'm actually very surprised by how much I've enjoyed them, although I have experienced some strange dreams as a result!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 08:31
I'm just about through the Hunger Games trilogy. I am really enjoying it, despite the awful storyline premise. Very well written, I think. Not sure what I'll move onto next!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 06:47
Many moons ago I was a Certified Dental Assistant in Canada - and we treated many baby teeth with RCT. It's not as intense a procedure as it is on adult teeth as the roots are much shorter. However, depending on what tooth it is, removing the tooth prematurely could result in a lot of alignment/spacial issues down the road which could prove to be more expensive/traumatic in the long run to treat. If you are not confident with this dentist, by all means, get a second opinion or at the very least ask for an explantion as to why they are recommending RCT over extraction...but don't discount the idea completely as it can be a very effective treatment. WHen it comes to pediatric dentistry, it is always important to consider the long term effects of any treatment plan. It is always advantageous to hold on to baby teeth as long as possible to hold the space and keep the alignment for the proper eruption of the adult teeth - treatment down the road on permanent teeth is far more costly and uncomfortable. Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 08:44
SunDevil, it wasn't me at the pool this weekend...but happy to know there are other Rotel lovers out there! :) Do not bring your washer/dryer (the wattage on such large appliances may not work as expected) - but do not expect the same size/quality here. You can find the odd 10kg washer, but the majority are 7kg - just expect to do more loads of laundry. We bought a 9kg washer and the capacity is still far less than the beautiful huge super capacity we had in North America. They have many of the same brands and they are just fine. The dryers are different, as most of them are condenser (not vented outside) - so there is a little container that stores the water from the clothes that you have to empty out each time. I was worried about this, but to be honest, it works just fine and I find my clothes are not as wrinkled (probably because there is more moisture still). I don't mind it now at all. And I second what DlnAces says - bring plenty of patience...things don't always operate very efficiently over here and it's best to go with the flow. We just laugh most of it off, otherwise you'll end up with blood pressure issues for sure!! It's an interesting experience here in Dubai - if you bring patience and a good sense of humour, you will have a great time! The quality of life is pretty good for the most part and plenty of friendly expats - very easy to meet people who will understand all of your challenges! Good luck!! <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 22/05/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 09:25
DH just came back and I had him stuff the suitcase with: bounce dryer sheets (he went to Costco or Sam's Club), Children's chewable vitamins from Costco, and some kids chewable medicines like Advil Junior, dramamine (she gets carsick), etc. We also have a dog so I had him stock up on flea/tick medicine and chew treats (not much variety for chew treats here and definitely a lot more expensive. - of course that is only helpful if you have a dog you are bringing! :) If you like to cook mexican food, I would stock your shipment with cans of Rotel, diced chilis (I've found them here but just in big glass jars, I prefer the small tins), cans of black beans and chili powder from the US. Some of of these items I've seen available one week and then have searched for months and have been unable to find again...things can be hit or miss here. We most recently moved from Houston, and so most things we find here are more expensive than Texas...and if you insist on the imported American brands you will choke at the cost of some things...but if you buy the local equivalent you will find it all much more reasonable. If you are bringing your beds, stock up on bedding before you go as the sizes of beds is different here and the cost is stupid for good sheets.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 15:32
There is a product here called Advocate that is a combined flea/worm topical application (on the back of the neck). Beware though, it does NOT also treat for ticks like Frontline Plus does. I still have a number of vials left from North America (about $200 worth) so the vet here gave me the Frontline spray for his paws (because the worse of the ticks here seem to get caught between the paws) until I am out and will go back to Frontline Plus. Also, at our annual vaccination visit here we just got deworming tablets from the vet. <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 19/05/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 13:09
My children go 7:45 - 2:45
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 11:16
Just wanted to update this again, as I see someone else is also searching out this information - DH is at DNRD right now transfering visa - and even though they told me when I called DNRD that the medical comes after, on the website it says the medical is after, and DH's company PRO said AFTER - DH says it would have made things MUCH smoother if the medical was done first. Plus, it will speed up the whole process so the original sponsor with get their deposit back faster!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 10:40
LOL... I'm Canadian and I dialed 0 once for "Canadians in distress" and they STILL didn't answer. I sent an email to the Canadian government to complain - this is about a year ago - and I resent it 3 times so far. Still no answer!! Makes you proud doesn't it!! Wow, this is very disturbing. Buggers. What do they care anymore - they don't get much in the way of tax dollars from us and now they don't need to worry about our votes (if we've been non-residents for more than 5 years)...so I guess it isn't all that surprising. :\:
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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 10:17
No. Monday 23rd May is Victoria Day though.
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Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 10:56
I also sent an email to American Garden here in the Middle East as their products are all over supermarkets in Dubai - and they were absolutely wonderful and quick in their response - here is the list I received of safe/unsafe products - you would still have to check for fructose though, of course... Gluten free items Soy Sauces Mustards Vinegars Mayonnaise regular 8oz, 16oz, 32oz All American Garden Salad dressings (except for Creamy Caesar) Worcestershire Sauce Hot Sauces canned coconut milk canned coconut cream American Garden Microwave Popcorn that is made in USA (see barcode #'s below) 12 digit item code Description Size 017273550354 MWPC REGULAR 1ct 717273550377 MWPC BUTTER 1ct 017273550309 MWPC REGULAR 3/3.5OZ 017273550316 MWPC BUTTER 3/3.5OZ 017273550323 MWPC LIGHT 3/3.5OZ 717273550339 MWPC HOT & SPICY 3/3.5OZ 017273550361 MWPC CHEESE 3/3.5OZ 017273550347 MWPC 94% FAT FREE 3/3.5OZ 717273550391 MWPC EXTRA BUTTER 3/3.5OZ 717273550384 MWPC STRAWBERRY 3/3.5OZ These items are NOT Gluten Free..... BBQ Sauces (honey, hickory, original) Peanut Butter items Peanut Butter & Jelly items All Pasta Sauces & Pizza Sauces Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
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Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 10:52
We are still exploring gluten free items available here by trial and error. I am a big fan of most of the Bob's Red Mill mixes - the brownie mix was a HUGE hit in our house amongst both the gluten free and non gluten free eaters...and I used their gluten free all purpose flour mix to make pancakes that were a hit as well, as was the banana bread I made from the recipe on the package. I am about to try the Bob's Red Mill chocolate cake mix as dd has some classmate birthdays this week and she always feels left out when everyone brings cake in to the class, I'm hoping it's as good as the others I've tried! I buy the mixes at the Organic Cafe. PF Changs has gluten free options, that they even bring out on a different styled plate to show it's gluten free. My daughter is especially fond of the Chang's Spicy Chicken. I questioned them the first time it was brought out because it looked like it was coated/fried - but they double checked with the chef who said they used potato starch. It is quite yummy! It's not terribly difficult to make dinners gluten free - all meat and veggies are naturally gluten free and spices/herbs are fine (just be very careful with prepared spice blends as many can contain gluten). Lime Tree Cafe offer some wheat free sweet options.
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 14:37
For anyone else inquiring about this - This is what I received from the PRO at dh's company this afternoon: First a transfer application has to be prepared which can be done from any of the typing centers and after that transfer application require both Old & New sponsor signature and following documents need to be attached with it. 1) New sponsor passport copy 2) New sponsor wife passport copy 3) New sponsor salary letter ( which will be issued by us) 4) New sponsor house Contract 5) Old sponsor passport copy Then new and old sponsor can submit this application for approval of transfer which will happen same time once its approved then you can take house maid for visa medical with following documents 1) House Maid passport copy 2) 2 photos 3) Transfer application copy (with approval) Once you are done with Medical result will take 4 working days to come and then you can stamp her visa under your new sponsorship while paying 2020/- refundable deposit and around 6500/- for visa stamping. And then - just to be certain I waited 20 minutes on the phone to speak with someone at DNRD to confirm and this is what he told me: DH and current sponsor go to immigration together with all the above documents. - typist will fill out transfer application for both old and new sponsor to sign then AFTER transfer approval is received back the maid is taken for a medical to have things finalized. edited by CdnExpat70 on 12/05/2011 <em>edited by CdnExpat70 on 12/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:22
I can't help with any local language schools, but have you checked out livemocha dot com? They have a wonderful program for many languages that you can do from home that combines speaking, reading, grammar. I find it better than other cd's I've tried in the past, since I'm pretty visual so need to see the words, not just hear them. I find it great and am currently starting German in preparation for a summer trip. Best part is it is free! I think they have a paid program also, which I believe you can try before you buy to see if it's a method that would work well for you! Good luck! :)
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:03
Thanks Clairehdp! Should I make 2 trips - one to do the paperwork, the other with the current sponsor and housemaid, or does it all get done at once? Although I'm not sure the current sponsor will be willing to go to Jebel Ali as he's coming in from Sharjah that day. Won't hurt to suggest though! :) WHere do I find the address for Jebel Ali Immigration? Still getting the hang of things here in Dubai! (off to google now though)... Thanks!
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 07:05
I'm bumping up this old thread instead of starting a new one so that anyone else wanting to search can find more info in one place :) We have found a maid and the current sponsor has agreed to transfer her visa (her visa is up for renewal next week). He's been actually very cooperative with us, but I think he may be a little confused about the process and I'm hoping someone that has done this recently can help clarify: He wants me to take the maid for her physical/bloodwork on Sunday as he says it takes a couple days for the results and we need them when DH and him go to immigration on Thursday. Don't I need to have the visa paperwork before I can get the medical? There doesn't seem to be any clear information on transfering a visa on the government website. Does anyone know which number I need to call to clarify this? Thanks in advance!
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Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 18:15
Wow - I sure rambled on - when in essence I was just saying what Dan Lou said "do what you NEED before you do what you WANT" :) much easier than my ramblings!!
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Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 18:06
You want a medal? Yes I think I deserve one - it's been 5 days now! I think I have you beat - I have one here right now...and it's been 4 months for me!! Poor thing! lol - I went 5 months without a maid and I was ready to collapse from exhaustion.:) The problem is I spare myself the exhaustion - and a good lot of it just doesn't get done! :\: Probably a good thing I had someone in today though, she certainly had to earn every fil at my place!! It was scary. I had to stop myself from apologizing to her for what a tip the place was!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 17:57
We have a homework routine. They come home from school, have a quick snack and get straight to homework before anything else (not optional). Aside from their extra-curricular commitments, they do not get to do anything else (computer, go out to play with friends, texting, etc) until homework is completed. For those subjects that are spread through the week, I check to see the volume of it, it almost always can be finished in 1 or two nights, so I make them finish it by Monday evening...Tues if other subjects are bogging them down. For us, something has to be worked on every single day. If they have no homework to complete, they take a little time to review for any upcoming quizzes or to read. When they have very light homeowrk, I really only make them review or read for 1/2 hour though. I always make them do it right after snack though. I know they are all tired from long school days. However, if I let them do other fun stuff before having to settle to do homework, I'm certain the battles would be worse. Actually, we no longer have any battles....the routine is what it is and they don't even question or complain anymore (but that did take a while of me being heavy handed). I do give them the option of where they do it (sitting on their bed, on the couch without tv, their desk, at the kitchen table, etc) - so they can be comfortable. If I find they are not working as they should, they lose the privilege to choose a comfy spot and get to sit at the dining table with me in the room watching over them (this is usually enough to get them to focus and finish). I think for us it works because it is just a part of everyday - like brushing their teeth. My older one gets homework sometimes on the weekend, and the rule there is it gets done Thurs night (unless something special is going on) or Fri morning before anything else is done. You NEED to make your threats real...however, set the ground rules so you can live with them. This was my thinking. I laid out the rule on what wasn't going to happen in an evening if homework wasn't completed and I stuck to it - it was rough at first, but we don't really have any battles anymore. You are making it harder on yourself by letting him wait until Wed evening for the battle. It will serve him well to develop great study habits now, before it really starts to matter in a couple more years! Be strong each and every day - do it for him. His grades will really suffer in the long run if he isn't developing good habits now. Good luck!! :)