Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 15:35
At this time of year people are getting ready to leave Dubai and there are often some truly lovely housemaids who become available. Many are sad that their families are leaving and the families often try to find a good family for their housemaid to move on to if they wish to stay working in dubai. Hopefully you will be lucky and find a gem who is saying goodbye to the family she is with now and can move over to work with you quickly and simply. good luck
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 15:31
Hire out one of the party boats
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 14:44
I would have to get rid of her too. How can you trust her. She has lied and been caught out. How many other times has this happended and you have been totally unaware. You have no clue where your child was and who your child was with...... she has no right to put you in that situation. she has to go.
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 14:43
What would I do? I would have her on the first plane back to the Philippines. She lied to you, she took your baby to a stranger's house, she could have been in an accident while travelling there!!!!! She can't be trusted What if she's from Sri Lanka???!!!!! Doesn't say in the post which country the girls from!
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:19
Get Manuri to custom make some - her cakes are delicious and amazing I don't know how old your daughter is but she makes really cute cupcakes for little ones. Check out her facebook page with pictures and contact details. she's away for some of the summer...... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decorative-Cakes-by-Manuri/153007031406448#!/photo.php?fbid=423776147662867&set=a.395786893795126.93863.153007031406448&type=1&theater
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:12
emlsnre, if for any reason that doesn't work out, I'll be in north Hampshire (Yateley/Camberley) from tomorrow until next Friday. Ooooh you're in my neck of the woods! I hope the sun stays shining for you.
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:10
Perhaps let the police at the station in jebel ali know that you have found it and are handing it into the consulate. If I had lost my passport at work I would probably nip to the local police station first. They are really helpful in there.
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Latest post on 14 June 2012 - 13:08
I'm another West 14th fan - you must have been really really unlucky have been there many times and only once had bad service. Lovely setting and excellent food.
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 21:51
We were told last year that the landlord is perfectly free to sell his property but he has to sell with you in it as tenants. If he wishes to sell the property with no tenants he needs to give you a years notice from the end of your tenancy contract so your final tenancy contract would be a non renewable contract. I just made sure that when people came to view the property that they understood that we were intending to stay and to renew our contract.
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 21:48
sorry could have helped you this week but not next! Do you have a shop and ship account - if so get it sent through that much cheaper than a door to door courier.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 18:40
The gardens are too far away they are by Ibn Battuta. Victory Heights would be a good location although probably more like 25/30 mins drive Green community Motor city would be another good option Cedre Villas too. As someone who did the Repton run - Arabian Ranches was great and so many kids from Repton live there so a good pool for car sharing too!
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 18:35
We did a photo book for my DH nanny's 90th and she loved it. Filled it with photos of her with different family members, photos of her as a young mum. Pictures of her with her grand children and her great grand children - pictures of important places etc etc - it's like a coffee table book and I understand that she often sits in her lounge looking through it. a lovely momento of her life, times and family. I did it on an apple mac and had it delivered to her - there are plenty of places that do them. the only thing that takes the time is deciding what photos to use and getting them send to you from various family members but, knowing that she uses it, makes it all worth while.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 18:10
Not sure if they will do it for just 2 people but worth asking Yes Chef http://www.yeschef.ae/
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 18:07
I've just received a note that Abeda is starting up her indian cooking classes again - she is now offering classes on a saturday afternoon so I thought I'd put on the details here as there are often lots of ladies who work who are asking about classes that are held on a weekend. I have done Abeda's classes and they are fantastic. You learn all about the spices and herbs and medicinal properties as well as learn to cook the most amazing dishes. I hope those who are looking for cooking classes find the info helpful - you also get to eat the food and meet and make new friends!!!! SPICE & AROMA COOKING CLASSES ARE BACK !!! Learn Spice Friendly Cooking The classes are a complete study of spices, dried legumes (lentils, beans), vegetables, variety of rice, different cooking oils and fish, poultry, meat. The aim is to teach cooking not just share recipes. 3 to 4 dishes, cooking techniques from the Indian / Asian Kitchen are taught in the class. To list a few dishes; Spinach & Lentil Soup, Chickpeas & Potato, Chicken in Cashew sauce, Pumpkin & Yogurt Raita, Fry Fish, Warm Vegetable Salad, and how to cook Brown Rice, Aromatic Basmati Pulao, Chapati and Roti, Palak Paneer ..... and more, Tamarind Chutney, Spice Blends. Time 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Venue Al Barsha South (near Dubai World Gem School). Fees AED 150 - 200 including the cooking ingredients and lunch. Suggested weekdays - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Evenings Saturday 4 :30 - 6:30 pm starting June 13 2012. [email protected]
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 13:04
Try this one http://www.information-britain.co.uk/
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 14:34
Jumping on the bandwagon....since we're talking about lending/borrowing money. This has been bugging me for quite a while. My previous maid transferred her sponsorship to a new family and after all this was done she asked to borrow her airfare home as the new family would not be paying for this (she had had her paid holiday and so was not entitled to further trip home). So we lent her the money. The maid, went to Sri Lanka, came back and started working for her new sponsors. However, within 6 weeks she was fired and they put a year long ban on her! She is now back in Dubai, living in the same gated community as myself. She has been curious enough to come see the children (once to my home and once on the street) but has made no mention of returning the money she borrowed despite previous reminders. This matter will soon be turning 2 years old. I am quite tempted to turn up where she currently works and ask her employer to deduct her salary and give me my Dhs 1,500 back.. Any meaningful advice, what would you do? If you really really want the money back why don't you speak to her and suggest she pays it back to you in installments. I have to say if it's 2 years ago she probably thinks that you are not expecting it back.
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 14:32
My sister had a really bad bed wetting issue with one of her boys. He was seen by a top specialist in the UK who told her that the problem was that his bladder was very small. He had to up his intake of fluids during the day hugely to try to stretch the bladder so that it would be able to hold more liquid to get him through the night with no bedwetting. He had to have a bottle of water on his desk at school and drink and drink and drink. It was quite a few years ago now but I remember the phone call from my sister about 4 months after he had been drinking and drinking loads of water - he had his first dry night and has not had another problem since. So....it might be a similar thing and by limiting the fluids might not be helping...... Hope this helps.
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 01:08
oops Irooni - I forgot to give you the recipe I use.... sorry! Definitely jam - that's the traditional way for a victoria sponge. Here's the recipe http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1997/classic-victoria-sandwich
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 00:55
I'm sure if you explain at work that they would understand. As someone who lost their Dad while out in Dubai I would jump on a plane as soon as you can. Sounds like your Mum needs your support too. You will be able to see your Dad and help your Mum. Hopefully your Dad will respond well to the antibiotics and make a good recovery. There is nothing worse than being away from home when your loved ones are so ill. Sending you a big hug and hope you can find a way to get over to see him.
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 00:49
the only bottles of gas you need there are for a gas bbq the villas are served with gas piped in. It took me a couple of days of looking for the gas bottle store before I realised that you don't need gas bottles there!
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 18:51
Very easy if you know the right people. I can get the details of a great guy local to Farnham - he's done some amazing bathrooms/wet rooms etc for friends of mine. He's so good you usually have to wait for him but it's well worth the wait. I can help you as I'm only up the road. My sister is doing her bathroom at the moment and she has amazing taste and has done 4 bathrooms recently - I also recommend her builder - I've known him a long time and he's superb although he's busy with her latest project at the moment. You have my contact details.....
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:03
Hi thanks but I mean a real one for children that are several years advanced for their level of class curriculum. If that is the case I would imagine that you could ask for a child to be placed in a higher grade if they test out. There was a lady I know that had her son placed into a higher grade level at a top school here so it must be allowed. If you are suggesting alternative classes to address certain subject matter that he/she is advanced in then they may be able to allow the child to sit in higher math / science etc classes even if they don't have a "gifted/talented" program. Speak to the curriculum coordinator and see what they can do for you. GWA does not have this program that I am aware of. It is just that most of the kids that go to school there THINK they are special. JOKE LADIES!!!! They are really good kids out there. edited by americanfamily3 on 27/05/2012 thanks AF3 - I wasn't sure about Gems WA - thanks. As for moving into a higher grade - this has to be approved by the MOE - they do approve it as this happened to a child in my daughters class but it most definitely has to have clearance from the ministry.
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:00
Don't know about beauty products but Veuve Clicquot (champagne) was cheaper in Sainsbury's than Dubai. But Pimms is super cheaper in Dubai Duty free than anywhere in the UK - we are stocking up our UK summer supply from Dubai!!!!! How bizarre is that!
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 10:56
I would also make sure that they wear a rash vest - can never be too careful and now it's really hotting up it's worth protecting them while they are in the water - especially as you say there is no shade. There are great ones in fantastic bright colours in Decathlon. My 2 have always worn them in the pool and have never burnt.
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 10:51
I believe Repton does. A boy in my little girls classed was on the gifted and talented programme - when he was in nursery and reception he would join in with the year 1 children for reading as he was so far advanced at that young age. I have no idea how the programme works and what benchmark they use to determine g and t children but it would be worth calling to talk to the coordinator or better still make an appointment to go in and see how the programme works there. I think both of mine are g and t but that's just because they're mine!!! I have a feeling that Gems World Academy also has a g and t programme.
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 19:56
Wow thanks everyone. Wasn't sure if anybody would reply! All have been helpful, looking at Bournes now and Claire I'll email you - I'm in Farnborough, Hants I'm a few miles up the road from you then! Happy to meet up to help you!
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 19:53
The Villa, Skycourts Towers in Dubailand. As cymraes says you are close to some great shopping. I love Mirdiff city Centre - one of my favourite shopping spots with a great P F changs restaurant and big cinema. We have lots of friends living on the villa and they are very very happy there it has a lovely community feel. Not been to the Skycourt towers there - only the villas.
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 19:35
Dubailand is a huge area - which location are you moving to within Dubailand?
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 13:19
If I buy online, do they deliver it? Is there a charge for delivery? If you buy on line you get a 10% discount and free delivery! We always bought the Family one and the fine dining one too - excellent!
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 13:13
We used UTS Bournes from UK to Dubai and they were superb. Very easy to deal with and they used DASA at the Dubai end to clear and unpack - again excellent. We are now back in the UK and used them on the way back too. Had a couple of companies quote but were happy with DASA and UTS bournes on the way back and all was excellent. If I can help you in any way with my experiences of leaving UK and living in Dubai feel free to contact me I am now living in surrey. claire dot damamme @ ntlworld dot com
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 13:09
We stayed at the Hilton Mauritius and the kids club was run by Mark Warner who take under 2s into the kids club. It was absolutely fantastic so we stayed again and it was as good the 2nd time too! Not sure if the kids club is still under Mark Warner - but check it out. they opened the kids club int he evening for a slumber type event where they had cushions on the floor and played cartoons/movies and it meant the parents could have an evening meal on their own. The hotel was very well set up for little ones. they even had little trikes for the kids to cycle on. there was a glass bottom boat and the kids loved going out in that early morning before it got too hot to see the fish on the reef. It was a very very relaxing holiday for us and the kids had tons of fun with us and without us!!!
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 13:06
Jumeirah Mosque tour and then into The One Cafe for a lovely coffee and cake Big bus tour - they can sit inside in the air con. My mum and dad did this on their own and loved it. it includes a Dhow cruise too. My Dad would love to stroll around Ibn Battuta mall and read all about the travels of Ibn Battuta plus its a lovely interesting mall to stroll around with all the different zones, india, china,etc A lovely afternoon tea with them all at the One and Only Royal Mirage - great value afternoon tea and lovely setting. Definitely book on line tickets for At the top at burj khalifa I love doing it just before sunset and then do an early dinner with a view of the fountains. I always took visitors young and old to Atlantis and then to the cold stone creamery ice cream parlour for ice cream and entertainment - always a big hit with all ages. the best thing I would recommend you do is the cultural breakfast at the Centre for cultural understanding. It's a fabulous event and your visitors learn so much about the country you are living in plus you get to have a traditional emirati breakfast prepared by local ladies. I loved doing this.
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 12:37
You can enter into your own country with less than 6 months validity but you will need to renew while in the UK before you fly out. You may find that the airline won't accept you on the flight back into Dubai or you will have problems getting back in at immigration with less than 6 months. I believe it's the airlines that have the problem as they can be fined for carrying people with less than 6 months validity.
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 02:10
Thanks ladies. An example of a typical voucher value please, will appreciate. There is no such thing really as a typical voucher value - if you use Costa coffee you buy one get one free so if you buy a coffee and a danish pastry are you looking at around 40 dhs - so you'll get the same free - so worth 40 dhs Wild Wadi - entrance - approx 215 - buy one get one free so saved 215 Baskin robbins ice cream - spend say 35 dhs and you get another 35 dhs ice cream free.... There are so many outlets that it soon mounts up. We used to buy the family one and the fine dining one and they were very well used!
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 02:32
the landlord is free to sell his property at any time but with you in it as tenants. If you have a renewable contract and you have kept within the notice period of informing him that you wish to renew then he has to give you one years notice to leave. so....you can renew and he can only get you out in another year. He can sell the property and the new owners take over your tenancy contract.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 16:29
there are so many great places to stay in London. what is your budget as this is key to where you will be able to stay.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 16:27
gymnastics
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 12:41
Just heard on the radio that Robin Gibb (Bee Gees) has just lost his battle with cancer.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 01:29
toilet roll race! :P Sceptre-making to go with crowns... Have 'Simon Says' but make it 'King/Queen says' Drawing contest (can have different age groups) 'Your Royal Name'... make up first and last names and titles and put them each in a jar, so one for Your Highness/Your Majesty etc (sillier the better) then say a town or place name, then they rule over (colour/flower or animal name) e.g. Your Supremacy Satwa BlueBunny etc etc Love the name thing! And the sceptre making - many thanks!
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 01:28
Pin the tail on the donkey ? lots of fun We're doing pin the crown on the Queen!!!!!!
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 01:18
We have been to the Hilton Iru Fushi resort and have returned a couple of times - it's so beautiful there. Fabulous spa, superb restaurants, great bars, gorgeous outdoor bathrooms with jacuzzi baths. Love it there. We have recommended it to friends and they have been and loved it too!
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 01:08
Toronto Five, you would have to contact them directly, but I heard the figure AED5000 and something for the hypnoband (it is four one hour sessions and 3 CDs, I believe, you can have a look on the website) and AED2,800 for the Weight Loss Hypno plan of 3 sessions and one CD which I think may be tailored to your needs, but I'm not sure. This is the lady's website: http://www.rachelfoy.com/Why-Choose-Rachel-Foy-.html Mods, I'm honestly not advertising, I've met the lady once and am interested and happy to share my experience, is all. If I decide to go with it, I will report back, good or bad. ETA: I'll only do this if I can find my old Walkman which is lying around somewhere with the Paul McK CD stuck in it .. :) edited by simpleasabc on 20/05/2012 Wow this thread prompted me to look at this in the UK - it was about 195 Pounds in the UK. Wow where abouts in the UK for 195 Spongemonkey - my friend was quoted around 500 pounds - but I'll give her the details of the 195 if you can let me have the link please. Alot less than 5k dhs! Might be worth all those people who are interested in doing it to do it in the UK if they are coming over for the summer break......
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 01:56
Thanks for the ideas!
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 22:10
this happened to us and we went to the rent committee and they said that the LL has to give you a years notice at your renewal of his intention to sell. He can sell to whoever he wants but the buyers will be buying with tenants. I made sure that anyone that viewed the villa knew that we had every intention of renewing - that way at least the prospective buyer if they wanted to move in knew that they would need to look at a villa that was either empty or would be available to move into rather than have a tenant issue.
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 10:34
My friend is thinking of trying this in the uk but there is a woman doing the therapy in Dubai according to the hypnoband website http://www.hypnobanddubai.com/ My friend has tried everything - she lost loads if weight on lighter lfe about 5 years ago but has put it all back on - she was thinking of the surgery but we researched this and I think she's going to give it a go - better than surgery! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 19/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 21:06
Curry box is good.
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 21:04
Be aware that there are some items on the menu at Segreto that you can't order with the entertainer vouchers - mad but true!
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 17:09
We go to Hilton Resort and Spa in RAK and Le Meridien Al Aqah, Fujeirah. The Le Meridien is super set up for small kids. The kids club is lovely but an adult would have to accompany your children as they are so young. You can book lovely babysitters who are usually the housekeeping staff from the hotel. Super restaurants, lovely sea breeze one of my favourite places. We were there at Easter and had a great stay. Hilton Resort and Spa is gorgeous. You have to pay to use the kids club which annoyed me but the kids pool is nice with a slide so our kids spent most of their time in the pool and didn't actually use the kids club so I can't compare for you. But it's a lovely resort (don't get mixed up with the other hilton in RAK - very different). The big plus is that there is a wine store there so you can stock up on your booze!
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Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 11:44
We have some really lovely white fluffy Ikea towels. they wash beautifully. They were not cheap - there are a really cheap range there and they are awful - but these were more expensive but lovely quality. Cheaper than Debs and M&S.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 19:56
How about chucky cheese?