chezmoi | ExpatWoman.com
 

chezmoi

chezmoi
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 09:46
After your inconsiderate posting ethics of yesterday I'm surprised you aren't banned! (Am NOT ordering Lindt... :D) Ah...OK now I understand, all is explained thanks AmyAus82 :)
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 09:28
Hi all I know it differs depending on how many lessons/fails etc but does anyone have a rough idea of how much it costs for a Sri Lankan to convert their drivers license to a Dubai license? Iv seen the fees from the RTA website but the driving school websites dont provide much info as to the costs of the lessons and roughly how many lessons are needed. Does anyone know of a rough estimate? My housemaid's husband wants to move here and he has a Sri Lankan license (which wont be able to converted) and Im hoping to give them a rough idea of the cost. Thanks EDI (Emirates Driving Institute) publish a list of all the fees/charges etc on their website (and there are a lot!!!). The mandatory 40 lessons costs about 2200 dhs but there is also registration, simulator training test fees etc etc.....we are looking at our maid learning to drive and I think we reckoned it would cost around 4.5k (assuming a first time pass!!!) And to digress, inspite of all those compulsory lessons, instuction and simulations the roads are full of drivers who appear not to have the slightest inkling of the rules of the road never mind any regard for human life. Sorry OP off topic :)
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 09:17
Thank you ladies. Very much But UGH... just read a bit more about what we're trying to do and apparently it's not JUST a matter of cutting wheat out altogether but also limiting all grains quite severely. How on earth do you make bread or pasta with NO grains??? Well, ok, bread apparently can be done with almond flour etc... But pasta!!! Have to make a concerted effort to find shirataki noodles. REALLY not enjoying this, and it's only day 1!! Well I belive wild rice is not a grain but a grass, so you may be ok with that.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 08:46
Morning all Usually LL has a maintenace guys come in but the last time they did a job I was not at all impressed and left the place messy..I cannot deal with it again. Anyway LL has given me the go ahead to find someone professional (if that exists in Dubai) The jobs that needs doing are: Kitchen sinks tap needs fixing grout cleaning between tiles sealant around bathrooms etc Much appreciated if some of you lovely ladies can recommend a company.. TIA x I have those sorts of jobs done by a handyman, don't think he is a contractor though, but I call him for all small fixing jobs around the house. He has always been very reliable and done quality work. ADMIN - Why have the contact details I posted yesterday on this thread been deleted? It was for a handyman who I know and trust and who has been recommended on here by many many other people?
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 19:08
I buy a wheat free-gluten free wild rice pasta and it tastes good, really dont notice the difference like you do with some gluten free foods. Its about 16 dhs a pack of about 500 grams. The brand is Rizopia made in Canada. I find it only in Geant, not seen it in C4 or Spinneys so far but maybe its elsewhere.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 19:04
Morning all Usually LL has a maintenace guys come in but the last time they did a job I was not at all impressed and left the place messy..I cannot deal with it again. Anyway LL has given me the go ahead to find someone professional (if that exists in Dubai) The jobs that needs doing are: Kitchen sinks tap needs fixing grout cleaning between tiles sealant around bathrooms etc Much appreciated if some of you lovely ladies can recommend a company.. TIA x I have those sorts of jobs done by a handyman, don't think he is a contractor though, but I call him for all small fixing jobs around the house. He has always been very reliable and done quality work.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:38
Apologies to all on a diet! ;) Enjoy nonetheless! I did thanks, but a little too much and had to ask someone to lock the fridge and hide the key, maybe I should rephrase [i'>don't[/i'> get some! :D
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:24
Apologies to all on a diet!
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:20
If I order this today you ARE in trouble! ok to save you the calories just visulise this taste, chewy caramel pieces in smooth dark choc with a smattering of sea salt....there you go! Better?
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 15:09
Go away! :D Sorry but on my fourth square cannot stop :D
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 13:25
Its beautiful outside, cool breezy 22 degrees, hardly Baltic where it's minus- 3 with a chill factor of minus -8 right now! Wish this weather stayed forever :)
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:10
Take My Junk are a private company and have to take some costs from what is donated to them in order to operate, they give a percentage of proceeds to charity but often give items away for free to the needy. They have been featured in the local and international media including a BBC documentary and they are currently in the process of raising AED75.000 for a hospital in Ajman. They also have a food program every Ramadan in which they provide basic foodstuffs for workers and families. http://gulfnews.com/life-style/people/the-uae-charity-that-wants-your-junk-1.986843 ETA CNN not BBC <em>edited by Di@DXB on 15/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 09:01
I never have anything to do with the post here in or out of the country, lost things both ways even when it was registered and addressed correctly to my PO box coming in and sent by EMS going out.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 08:53
I don't know of a charity as such that will collect, but Take My Junk will collect and recycle proceeds for the needy. http://www.takemyjunkuae.com/Community_Vision.html
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:47
I have emailed you can remove your address, many thanks :)
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:40
Hi Di@DXB saw this thread just by chance. :) I have some kefir grains to give away if you are still looking for some. Email me: Oh lovely, will do thanks so much! You're a star! <em>edited by Di@DXB on 13/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 17:28
I've lost so many parcels with the post I gave up with them, also Skynet pick up from my location so I don't have the bother of getting to the post office either. Their rates compare very favourably with EMS rates if not the same to most destinations.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 15:28
I always use Skynet to everywhere in the world, they are much cheaper than the big name couriers and just a fast and reliable, have used them to the UK all the time no problems. www.skynetworldwide.net
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 15:26
There will always be two camps when it comes to the question of paying cash or getting loans. In this economy, where the bank average interest rate p.a. here is around 2% and the effective annual interest rate for a car loan can possibly be much higher than that, it would make sense to pay with cash if you have it. Unless you have an investment that guarantees a higher return than the interest you pay out. Just carefully calculate what you will gain and lose. The bonus is one can avoid the hassle of paperwork and fees with a bank in getting a loan and easier when it's time to sell your car at the end. Brand new or used? I think that's completely a personal preference (taking into consideration the time you plan to be here etc). A question for Di@DXB, the car you rented to own, was it a brand new car when you drove it off the lot? Cheers! Yes it was brand spanking new just like you would get from the showroom.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:36
recently when ever i brush or wash my hair i end up with a huge amount of hair that's fallen out!! I always had thick hair so I've never been that bothered but seriously if i carry on like this i will be bald before then end of the month! Why is this happening? I've recently had my 2nd baby (4 months ago) could that be why or could it my shampoo or the water?? It's probably a combination of these things, for the water it's important to rinse out the chlorine, either get a filter on your shower, rinse with fresh bottled water or use an after shampoo herbal rinse to remove the residue. For the hormones I think there's not much you can do but wait, it is normal to have some hair loss after giving birth.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:07
I have always in the past bought a car here, but this time went for a lease to own deal and I am really happy. I get service taken care of included, no worries about breakdowns or replacment vehicles if its off the road. No heavy down payment and the flexibility of owning the car at the end of the lease or changing to another model or canecelling if I change my mind. This gives me complete freedom, all the perks you get with a rental but a brand new vehicle and no worry. Wish I had done it before. ETA plus I got the car I always wanted! edited by Di@DXB on 13/01/2013 Which brands are doing this? SixT if you want a Mercedes, Shift Leasing for Nissan are the ones I know of. There may be others.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:06
Ok, this is exactly the conversation DH and I have been having. We rent cars sporadically because he's not always here, and I like to walk, but I think it's time to buy something :) Didn't know the lease to own option was available here. Again, Di@DXB I am picking your brain it seems! Do most dealerships here offer that, and Are your monthly payments similar to what you pay for rental cars? In other words more than you would pay on a loan? We were going to just pay cash, but this sounds a little more enticing. Yes I pay about the same monthly as I would for a rental, for eg I used to rent a small automatic for the same as I pay now for a bigger class vehicle. There are a few dealerships that offer this, SixT if you want a Mercedes, Shift Leasing for Nissan are the ones I know of. I am with Shift and very happy with their service, the vehicle and the financials. Happy to provide any other info you need :) hth
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 08:35
It's better to pay in cash rather than taking a loan and having to pay years of interest...if you can afford it. Some would argue that [b'>if you can't afford to pay in cash, don't buy.[/b'>New vs. used....some of this is personal preference, however, as you know, the value of car reduces significantly as soon as you drive it off the lot. Also consider who you would be buying a used car from, an agency or private owner. You pay a bit more through an agency, however, there's some sort of guarantee that you have the full history of the car, warranty, etc. If that was the only option for most people there would be very few cars on the road!
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 08:25
I have always in the past bought a car here, but this time went for a lease to own deal and I am really happy. I get service taken care of included, no worries about breakdowns or replacment vehicles if its off the road. No heavy down payment and the flexibility of owning the car at the end of the lease or changing to another model or canecelling if I change my mind. This gives me complete freedom, all the perks you get with a rental but a brand new vehicle and no worry. Wish I had done it before. ETA plus I got the car I always wanted! <em>edited by Di@DXB on 13/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 07:51
There's a tailor in Ibn Batutta I always use, its down the service corridor that leads off from opposite New Look, at the end there take a left through the service doors, very reasonable. Sorry don't recall the name. Me, either. But most my friends that don't see someone in Satwa go to Ibn Battuta. When I didn't know my way around, I got 2 pairs taken up at Stitch in Time in Dubai Mall..I think [b'>I paid 100+ a piece [/b'>which is way too much. Ouch! That's a real rip off, the IBN guy charges a quarter of that for a simple trouser turn up. And OP BTW you will think you are heading into the garbage room but hold you nose and keep going!
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 07:09
There's a tailor in Ibn Batutta I always use, its down the service corridor that leads off from opposite New Look, at the end there take a left through the service doors, very reasonable. Sorry don't recall the name.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 07:09
There's a stockist listed in Dubai on their website http://www.dutchkid.com/ http://gro.co.uk/stockists/international hth <em>edited by Di@DXB on 12/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 06:48
Did you get the whipped one with Argan Oil, that's easier to use as a moistuiser than the unwhipped without the Argan?, But both are fabulous for the skin. No, I got just the plain shea. Didn't see the other. It just takes a little working between my palms, not too much work like cocoa butter :) It really did help that chem reaction I had, too. I alternated it with calamine. lol old school stuff. It was good you got the plain for the need you had then as the plain is more of a healing balm and fantasitic for any skin irritation, but for everyday moisturing use try the whipped it's really so much lighter and easier to use and absorb.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 06:38
I use nothing but organic whipped Shea Butter with Argan oil, its natural, has anti aging effects and is and a wonderful night or day moisturiser, I get complimented all the time for my skin and get taken as a good ten years younger than my 'certain' age! Di! I have been using the shea at night, since you recommended it for my other issue! For some reason I haven't been using it in the a.m. Just thought it might be too much. Maybe I should try that... Did you get the whipped one with Argan Oil, that's easier to use as a moistuiser than the unwhipped without the Argan?, But both are fabulous for the skin. Yes, for daytime I would def use the whipped one, its lighter plus has the Argan too. <em>edited by Di@DXB on 12/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2013 - 06:30
I use nothing but organic whipped Shea Butter with Argan oil, its natural, has anti aging effects and is and a wonderful night or day moisturiser, I get complimented all the time for my skin and get taken as a good ten years younger than my 'certain' age!
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 15:53
Details should be posted here when they come out http://www.dubaikidz.biz/index.php/markets.html hth
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 15:51
Not sure about the Spring fairs dates yet, but there are the regular ARTE craft fairs at Times Square and Festival City at the start of every month plus the weekly market at the Courtyard al Quoz.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 09:42
Also Creative Minds just after LuLu have a good range of paints but they are quite a bit more expensive, I would only buy there if you cannot find the colour you need elswhere. http://creativemindsdubai.com/
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 15:15
Hi ladies, Has anyone had this done? If so, was it effective? How much does it cost and where would you recommend? Thanks! :) The short answer is, yes, and no and 5k a session and nowhere. see http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=192255 for full details hth
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 14:18
Been to the Umm Suqeim branch and seen two different specialists there for back muscle spasm, not impressed with either, in fact the second one actually made my pain worse.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 07:47
There are gorgeous, please be so careful who you give them to.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 07:19
Looks like the taxi issue has hit 7 Days Letters. It was the lead letter yesterday. Here's your chance to take it more public ladies and maybe get the right people to see it who can make a change: http://www.7daysindubai.com/town-tale-taxi-woe/story-17782942-detail/story.html http://www.7daysindubai.com/taxis-gone/story-17774927-detail/story.html Yes, if you look at the comments under the article you see everyone is suffering from taxis not turning up for call outs to home addressses. Their booking is obvioulsy a completely failed "system'. Will add my two cents worth. Thanks for the link.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 06:55
thanks all it's an AKAI&gt; i spoke to owner who said yes it takes a full minute of the gas blowing - argh. need to try again tonight. stand by.......! Glad to see its sorted and you are still alive and well!
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:41
Go Organic do fruit and veggie boxes too, anyone tried them?
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:00
You could give it to chairty or Take My Junk, they recycle unwanted items and give part proceeds to the needy. http://www.takemyjunkuae.com/
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:45
All the nurseries I know of require you ot register and take out a weekly/monthly plan, they don't mostly do one off baby sitting I think. Also I doubt anyone will be there at a nursery school to pick up the phone at this time of night. Perhaps one of the agencies I listed below can help with a sitter.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:12
It got moved to the Food Forum :) http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=197333
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:00
I tried again but it just seems to be taking too long! though i am giving up after about 10 seconds which seems long enough!? a minute??! Di@Dxb are you trying to get rid of me. :-P Honestly my previous cooker took a good minute not 10 seconds, you really need to try that long. Sorry :) Depends on the cooker though, maybe if yours never took that long before then I would suppose it has a fault and not try at all, don't want you to go up in smoke! <em>edited by Di@DXB on 07/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 17:49
Some ovens you do need to hold the ignition in for a good minute, since you can smell gas, ventilate the room and when its clear try again holding the button in for longer. Mine was like that.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 17:46
If you can't go to the interview how will you go to the job? That's what I was thinking too.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 17:35
Here's some http://www.easydailymaid.com/cleaning-services/baby-sitter/?gclid=CI-kj46u1rQCFefMtAodn3gAgw http://busybeesdubai.com/ http://www.maidszone.com/ and http://www.nanniesdubai.com/ <em>edited by Di@DXB on 07/01/2013</em>
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 17:32
You need to get on to one of the agencies asap before they close. Even if someone offered to babysit for you on here would you want to have a complete stranger off the internet look after your baby?
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:41
Am I the only one who has never eaten a McD? When I have the choice of no food all day or junk I choose hunger.
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 21:02
Skynet are the same rates as EMS and reliable, I have lost so many packages with the post here I would never recommend it. Skynet is a door to door courier service just as fast as the big names and half the cost. They will collect from your location too. No account needed. http://www.skynetworldwide.net/
chezmoi
4000
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 20:49
If you are here in Dubai and want to trade locally you will need a trade license and a registered company to sell your products. This is obtained from the Economic Dept, there is a handy wizard on their site that can help you estimate your start up costs depending on your type of buisness. If you run your details through it will give you a good idea of what will be required. For example in your case in the first window you scroll down to 'ready made garments' then follow the prompts on each section. http://www.dubaided.gov.ae/English/eServices/default.aspx hth
 
 
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