chezmoi | ExpatWoman.com
 

chezmoi

4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 12:20
Yup report them to Central Bank for this, they should also compensate him for loss of flight etc. I'd take to social media - twitter, facebook and get in some major public humiliation. totally agree with you... Start a letter in 7 days HSBC: Humbugs Stole my Bl00dy Christmas Agree..or maybe this Every Who Down in Whoville Liked Christmas a lot... But the bank all over the town in Whoville, Did NOT! The bank hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be their heads weren't screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that their senses took flight, But I think that the most likely reason of all, May have been that their brains were two sizes too small. But whatever the reason and you can just choose If you put your funds with them You’re surely to lose Apologies to Dr Suess
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 12:17
Yes you are right Mannikat, a closed account cannot be reopened, I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly they have been on the line to the CB to hurry this along, I think they are only seeking to reinstate his funds back to him, not sure how by cheque or by offering a new account, not sure he will want an account with them now anyway. Its all a bit fuzzy and he is going back today to try to get the exact picture of where his money actually right now. It looks like as you say he is going to have to run around doing a lot of paperwork to get an account operational again somewhere. As usual bank messes up-customer has to jump through hurdles. The day needs to arrive when banks realise they would not be there without our money.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 00:34
In that case I would definitely go and stand there until they sorted it. There is no reason at all for it to take so long to sort out. If it came to it they could immediately open a new account and put his money in to it and arrange delivery for a new card tomorrow. A few years ago they messed up delivering a credit card to me, just before I was due to go on leave. Basically they said they had sent it when they hadn't etc etc. I (politely) kicked up such a fuss that they managed to deliver it the SAME day, despite them saying there was absolutely not a chance that it could be done! They could do it, they just can't be bothered! He did kick up a fuss and remained there insisting he would not leave until it was sorted, unfortunately they had put the cancellation through to the Central Bank so it was out of their hands and will take 3 days before they are clear to reinstate. As you say sometimes you can get them to move a bit quicker but in this case its gone way to far already and although the manager admitted their action had been without cause he claimed he could offer no other solution, neither gave explanation as to who had messed up or why. I have never heard of such a thing and whatever this new directive is it would seem there are staff who do not clearly understand who it applies to and are applying it inappropriately. The only bit that does not surprise me is as usual its left for the customer to bear the consequences of their incompetence.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 20:45
Have you tried Daiso, they usually have lots of it.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 19:26
Well end of story is totally unbelievable, after spending an entire morning at the bank he found out it was an error! None of the staff could tell him why this mistake happened, after insisting on seeing the branch manager was simply told it will take 3 days to reinstate the account and not even a sorry. He was due to fly home on Wednesday, he has lost his flight and is going to miss Christmas with his family and is stuck waiting without any access to funds for another three days because everything has been blocked and they are unable to simply press a button to reinstate it as fast as they were able to mistakenly close it. Absolutely incredible. What a nightmare, HSBC are a joke! :( Without wishing to pry, how come he has lost his flight home? Had he not paid for it already or something? Can his friends not rally round to lend him enough cash for a few days so he can go home? If I were him I would go and stand at HSBC tomorrow until they gave him enough cash to go home with.... Yes, he has paid for his flight already but he does not feel safe about leaving without this being sorted out and access to his funds, you never know if they will come through as promised, this is Dubai!
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 18:45
Hi there mommies , I am living in dubai and was wondering where can i buy bee wax ,as i intend to make some diy stuff with. Warm wishes and regards Nahool Creative Minds in Barsha have beeswax, both the bleached and the natural, they usually will have the blocks and sometimes the pellets.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 18:42
Well end of story is totally unbelievable, after spending an entire morning at the bank he found out it was an error! None of the staff could tell him why this mistake happened, after insisting on seeing the branch manager was simply told it will take 3 days to reinstate the account and not even a sorry. He was due to fly home on Wednesday, he has lost his flight and is going to miss Christmas with his family and is stuck waiting without any access to funds for another three days because everything has been blocked and they are unable to simply press a button to reinstate it as fast as they were able to mistakenly close it. Absolutely incredible.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 12:57
I know it's like closing the door after the horse has bolted, but this was one of the reasons we kept our UK account and transfer most of our money either there or offshore. If heaven forbid this should ever happen to us we still have UK cards to get hold of ready cash. It appears that any bank can do this to you and you have no recourse Just to add, nowadays banks always look at customers accounts that aren't making them any money first and they are the first to get the chop. Makes more sense in some respects to go back to saving cash under your matress :\: edited by Geordie expat on 22/12/2014 Good advice GE, what offshore bank would you recommend that does not have horrific minimum deposit levels?
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 12:52
Here as well Di http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Truro-man-astonished-HSBC-bank-closed-accounts/story-20253714-detail/story.html I would never have an account at this bank. Thanks, yes this is really disturbing, and as Geordie Expat says any bank can do this.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 12:07
The sms said he could not withdraw funds now and his balance would be sent to his post box address in a cheque! That seems a very insecure way to send a bank balance to a customer. ETA Just reading a very similar story, it seems they do this at will http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brett-king/when-hsbc-closes-your-ban_b_4362504.html <em>edited by Di@DXB on 22/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 11:58
This is dreadful, he was about to visit home for Christmas, now cannot as everything is stuck, his cards his money etc. <em>edited by Di@DXB on 22/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 11:55
Not Yank, he's British, he is on the way to the bank now. Sounds fishy to me, although if he has never had a CC or a loan they could use that against him. Does he bank with them back in the UK? No he has no debts to them and no account with them in the UK.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 11:52
Not Yank, he's British, he is on the way to the bank now.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 11:44
Even if it was premier they should have given warning not just shut it down by sms message, this is ridiculous.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 11:41
What type of HSBC account did he have as they are being very strict with their Premier Accounts. Not premier, just a regular account
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 11:37
Just had a call from friend in Dubai saying HSBC have closed his personal account without any notice stating a Central Bank Directive issued recently for personal accounts on the basis of criteria that does not apply in his case.. This is his personal account he is fully and very gainfully employed and been with HSBC for at least 10 years without issues, no debt or loans. They have just shut his account without warning. All his money, his salary and his rent cheques go there. Does anyone know of any such directive, I cannot find anything on the Central Bank website. <em>edited by Di@DXB on 22/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 10:59
If you read the last line of this article, it shows that whenever the marriage gets to be officiated there can still be problems later even though in this case it does not appear the woman was pregnant, but somehow they were reported for illicit relations, your friend should not risk being in Dubai unmarried and pregnant. http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/courts/lawfully-wedded-couple-accused-of-premarital-***-1.1429942
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 December 2014 - 09:42
I had curtains made at Manchester Curtains a few years ago, they are on King Abdel Aziz Street, just before The big white Emirates Banking Institute Building, they did a good job and were very professional and helpful. Cheaper than Dubai prices at that time, I was very pleased with the quality of the fabrics and work. Not sure if they also do upholstery, you could ask 06 573 3449 <em>edited by Di@DXB on 22/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 10:33
I think you can get almost anything print personalised at this company [url=https://www.dubiki.com/fil/dubai/garments-and-clothings/t-shirt-printers/oasis-sands-advertising-gifts/flyer.html'>link[/url'> you could call and ask if you buy the golf items can they print on them. hth
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 10:25
Not seen any glue on name mugs, you can get custom printed mugs at Oasis Sands, or maybe hand paint some yourself at Ceramic Cafe. [url=https://www.dubiki.com/fil/dubai/garments-and-clothings/t-shirt-printers/oasis-sands-advertising-gifts/flyer.html'>link[/url'> [url=http://www.cafeceramique.ae/'>link[/url'>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 01:18
Old wive's tale but slicing an onion in half and placing by bedside table is supposed to help. I heard this and wondered if it was true, interesting but seems to be just folklore http://www.snopes.com/medical/swineflu/onion.asp
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 December 2014 - 10:25
This company should be able to help http://www.shismoo.com/make-your-home-safe/
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 23:44
The production team who made the series must know Maybe try to email the producer David Edgar who is now is with SnapTV http://snap-tv.wix.com/snap-tv#!david-edgar/c23dn http://snap-tv.wix.com/snap-tv#!contact-snap-tv/con8 The series was produced by http://www.fbtvonline.co.uk/news/95/53/Nigella-s-Christmas-Kitchen-2008.html There's a music list for all the shows here too http://www.fbtvonline.co.uk/index.php?page=nigella-suppliers#music hth
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 19:40
Thanks Di! Natural "Things and Herb Care for Dummies." Your new book, think about it! You know everything. That's sweet of you, not sure I know enough to write a book I'm more the dummy than the author but that's a great title! :) !
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 17:08
I find the easiest way of using fresh ginger root is to keep a piece in the freezer in an airtight bag and grate a little off it as needed with a fine grater. No need to worry about the skin it all gets powered up finely and its quick and easier than trying to chop up bits from raw. It lives a good long time in the freezer so its always to hand whenever you need some rather than the fresh ginger root that tends to goes soggy in the fridge quite quickly.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 13:28
Beebers I was suffering the same symptoms and kept thinking I was going down with flu, then I had my ac ducting cleaned and sanitised and never got it again. Just a thought perhaps its the same for you especially since you have been away and its come on since you came back and you say its normal for you in Dubai. The ginger and honey will help for sure, the other thing I found really fantastic is thyme tea. Instant relief for sore throats and congestion. <em>edited by Di@DXB on 19/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 00:49
Shukran everyone. Yes, the flight is early afternoon. Google traffic - good idea. I need to work out how that works. By-pass road, I will tell driver to go that way. Good idea. I hope I have allowed enough time. I am a little anxious, LOL. Many thanks for the ideas. Just go to Google maps and type Dubai traffic in the search bar, the roads will spear with green (moving) or red (slow) or yellow (sluggish) colours depending on the traffic flow, easy :)
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 00:39
I ordered a very antique and rare Bible to my Post box, (i collect these types of books for personal study) when it arrived it was held by customs, opened and I was asked by an officer, who was holding the open book in his hand, why I was trying to import it, this was about three years ago so not sure if things are the same, but I was told religious literature needs prior approval from the Ministry and anything that contradicts Islamic theology is banned. Other non evangigal literature is restricted. Fortunately I had an Arabic speaker with me and my purpose was explained. It could be ok if its just psalms and devotionals but worse case scenario they will just destroy if it they don't let you have it. ETA churches and selected books stores are permitted to import literature since they have ministry approval. <em>edited by Di@DXB on 19/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 December 2014 - 13:11
If its just to fix up some decorative lights I would think any general handyman could do the job cost effectively, There are a few handymen and general maintenance companys recommended on this thread [url=http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic226099-looking-for-a-painter-handy-man-mr-fix-it.aspxread'>link[/url'>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 21:03
Safestway usually have the Pillsbury frozen dough, not sure if that is the quality you want.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 14:30
some beautifully decorated ginger cookies here [url=https://www.facebook.com/gingerinuae?fref=ts'>link[/url'>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 12:10
What time is your flight? If its early morning up to lunch then the traffic pretty light I would leave an hour to travel on Emirates road Give another hour for check in OP says its an afternoon flight. Need my glasses on haha I actually only just noticed that wearing my glasses!
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 12:02
Fortum and Mason may do hampers, they have them online on their UK site. They are in Dubai Mall. 0438 82627 http://search.fortnumandmason.com/search#w=Hampers&af= <em>edited by Di@DXB on 17/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 10:38
Ikea have some children's aprons too http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/catalog/categories/departments/Textiles/18852/
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 10:30
If you can find a plain apron. I think I have seen them in Lakeland This shop will print it for you, I have used them to personalise ribbons and other things http://personaliseatdubai.com/ They are in the Al Attar shopping centre in Karama
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 10:14
What time is your flight? If its early morning up to lunch then the traffic pretty light I would leave an hour to travel on Emirates road Give another hour for check in OP says its an afternoon flight.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 10:10
It's a bit difficult for anyone to predict exactly how long you would need when so many factors are involved, the traffic, the number of people leaving from Sharjah, unforeseen things that could happen. But what may help at least with the journey is to check Google traffic in the hours running up to your leaving the Greens to see how congested the roads are running and then allow extra time accordingly. I would leave at least an hour earlier than normal as a precaution anyway in case the terminal is chaotic. Happy travels! hth
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 09:58
I have had some custom carpentry done by Farhad, if you put his name in the search you will get the details and there are many other threads with recommendations for others, just put carpenter in the search feature. hth
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 December 2014 - 22:44
Try Secondhand Dubai (UAE) FB page, its a very active place to buy and sell, I found it better for selling than Dubizzle as not so many time wasters so should be better for buying too hopefully.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 19:41
I'm actually looking for peppermint essence not oil. I was explaining the difference as someone was recommending using an essential oil instead and thought I would advise just as a precaution in case anyone was not aware. I have not seen peppermint essence in Dubai and would hesitate to consume any essential oil sold locally without supplement labelling.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 19:34
Not all essential oils are edible or interchangeable with extracts or essences. If you plan to use peppermint essential oil instead of peppermint essence make sure it is labelled as edible, and only use a quarter of the amount of peppermint essence as the essential oil is way more potent.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 December 2014 - 23:41
Laura Barrett is a McKenzie certified practitioner, she used to work at Up and Running, I saw her about three years ago there, at that time she the only one in Dubai trained by the official McKenzie institute in the UK. According to her LinkIn profile she is now at Health Bay Polyclinic. [url=http://ezeliving.com/2014/09/04/laura-barrett-from-health-bay-polyclinic-explains-correct-body-posture/'>link[/url'> [url=http://g.upandrunningdubai.com/Laura_Barrett.html'>link[/url'> hth
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 December 2014 - 10:57
Aside from the factors discussed, regardless of whether its a good investment or not, we are all subject to the very real possibillity of a change in legislation that could impact our ability to work here long term even if we plan to. The opinions expressed in this article by FNC members shows that there is a growing resentment toward expats and the way they are seen to use the opportunities Dubai provides them and the failure of Emiratisation in the private sector to be linked to expats “They continue to insist to hire people from the same nation [as themselves'> and will often pay extra to ensure that the Ministry of Labour allows them to recruit from their same nationality,” he said. “Why has no one questioned why Emiratis continue to resign from the private sector?” The FNC member said the high turnover of Emiratis in the private sector was often a result of expatriates creating a hostile environment. Winds of change? http://www.thenational.ae/uae/emiratisation/the-best-way-to-enforce-emiratisation-in-the-private-sector
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 December 2014 - 20:36
The packets I bought that were unsealed were the plastic flip up top type with a silver foil peel back strip beneath, no prongs on those at all and every packet had the foil broken open, not peeled away but pushed in so I don't think it was tampering. It looked like faulty from manufacture as dried tomato was congealed around the lid.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 December 2014 - 09:22
Are there any Thursday morning coffee mornings happening after the new year? There's one at Emirates Golf Club on 8th Jan, http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_events_whats_on.aspx#CoffeeMorning
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 December 2014 - 21:53
I noticed this with the tetra pac tomato passata a few months ago, all the seals were broken. I bought several packets and when I returned to the shop to change them all the stock on the shelves had broken seals too. I did tell the store manager about this, no idea if they passed it on at all.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 December 2014 - 10:38
We used to buy a fruit sugar free one as all the pot fromage frais and yogurts are really high in sugar in Dubai, although the same brands are not as sweet back home, same goes for the larger regular fruit and flavoured yogurts. For the Fromage Frais, It will say sans sucre if if has no added sugar. Not sure of the brand, used to get it in Geant, strawberry was the favourite.
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 11:30
There generally a good mixes of ages at the coffee mornings, so you will certainly find others around your age. I guess the early bird ones at MOE where there's mostly young mums who have just done the school drop offs may be more of your age group, and Vikki who runs that one is super welcoming and lovely, but do go along to any of them its a great way to make friends in Dubai. <em>edited by Di@DXB on 11/12/2014</em>
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 11:20
Hi Ab2015, you may not be getting replies to your question because no one feels sure on who to advise without knowing the area of medicine you are looking for. A lump could be so many things, if you have had a diagnosis and want to talk about it that could help for anyone here to direct you otherwise maybe this will be of use, there are listings and reviews for all specialties of doctors in Dubai. http://ae.doctoruna.com/en/dubai?gclid=CL7T7bK4vcICFSPmwgod5ZIAQg hth
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 11:59
Yes I think you are right about the protein intake,I don't eat meat or eggs, I do eat fish a lot though and cheese. I have been eating this way for years and doing pretty much the same level of exercise mainly walking and have stayed a stable weight until recenlty although not changed my habits. I would like your suggestions on how to improve my diet without gaining more. I would slowly add in more calories, and get yourself to the point where you are eating at least your bodyweight in pounds x 10. Example: 130 lbs would mean 1300 cals per day should make a caloric deficit necessary to lose weight. If you calculate you are currently eating 1000 daily, take it up to 1100 one week, then 1200 the next, and so forth. You should not gain weight this way. If you enjoy the foods you eat, and the 3 meals a day, try this 1. Drink a protein shake with your morning porridge 2. Fish and..what kind of veggies, just green or low calorie? Can you add some beans for extra calories and protein? Something like tuna + white beans + chopped tomatoes and black olives? (one of my faves) 3. Choose low fat or fat free Greek yogurt or quark--higher protein and lower sugar. Add some fruit and almonds. Enjoy your dark chocolate. I eat about 30g a day, love it :) These are some simple tweaks that will increase both your protein and calories without changing what you like to eat already. You also mentioned that you exercise about the same as you always have, so an inconvenient truth could mean you have to step it up a notch. But until you're at a proper caloric intake, I wouldn't recommend increasing your activity. That's just asking for sudden weight loss with diminishing returns, leading to weight gain later. Thanks so much Beebers, I am going to print this out and stick it on my fridge! Yes my greens are mostly green beans not lettuce. I think you are right about the exercise, I am going to have to step it up a notch! xxx :)