Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 19:51
Thanks ladies. I am leaning towards sega republic. Hope it does cost an arm and a leg. edited by Irooni on 16/05/2012 I think they're a bit young for sega - probably better for 8 yr olds upwards some of the rides are quite fast - not sure I'd be up for taking a group there. Soccer Circus would be better suited for 6 year olds Irooni.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 19:46
Maybe it has changed recently but we have definitely flown Dubai/Gatwick. Yeah I'm sure we've flown into Gatwick before.....perhaps with term 5 opening they got more lhr slots - shame cos i far prefer gatwick
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 19:44
I hired a housemaid who had hardly any english - she was amazing. She would read the kids books to learn english and she had an english and tagalog dictionary - we had some funny moments in trying to understand each other but she learnt in no time at all. I was prepared to spend time with her to help her learn and the kids loved getting her to say things - they all learnt together. My kids were really young then and I didn't employ her to look after the children purely to clean and housekeep. In time (and it was pretty quick) she could understand and spoke english well. If you are willing to put the effort in I would say go for it. I am glad I did as I felt I helped her gain a new skill while she was with us.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 17:09
Definitely Virgin with 2 small kids. I avoid BA now like the plague they really make it clear that they don't like kids! The big big plus of virgin for me travelling on my own with 2 small kids was/is that they allow you to take your buggy right up to the plane. It is taken off you, put into a plastic bag and it's waiting for you as soon as you get off the plane so you can pop the littlest one in the buggy and walk to immigration/baggage reclaim pretty easily. I also agree with catawba - going into Gatwick is far easier than Heathrow.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:43
Nomad so sorry. Sending you and your family my deepest condolences. I hope you are able to travel to be with your Dad and to be able to say goodbye to your lovely Mum. Thinking of you at this very sad time.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:20
Definitely clothes, shoes, most beauty products - you can also get great deals from duty free - Molton Brown soaps and hand creams are much cheaper I always stocked up at duty free before flying back. Can't help with a hairdresser. Where abouts in London will you be staying - you could google some hairdressers and see if they have prices on their websites.
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Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 01:04
Claire pwhat is tickles and giggles? What do they do? http://www.ticklesandgiggles.com/ Spa parties - kids facials, mani pedi etc etc - they do a spa party - check out the party section. They had an amazing time and she did look sooooo gorgeous when she came home!
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 22:59
So you take your kitten to the vets with 2 broken legs and while he was there he suffered another broken leg whilst in their care......hmmmmmm I think any vet worth their salt would do the surgery gratis as the damage happened on thier watch...... Hope the poor kitty gets better soon and good luck with the vets.
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 22:53
Cafe ceramique is always a good place - they can decorate money boxes for jewellery boxes. How about getting some beauticians in and do it all at home. Cupcake decorating party - they get to decorate and take home their decorated cakes. My little girl went to tickle and giggles (marina area) and had a fabulous time.
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 22:49
Thanks Sprinkler,she is not good still in ICU.Had a feeling the other night she is just waiting for me,mentioned it to Dad and he said yes,but he didn't wan't to put additional pressure on me.I hope to be OK to travel this weekend. Thinking of you too Nomad. I hope you are well enough to travel to be with your mum at this difficult time.
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 21:17
We flew our cat over from UK to Dubai and she was absolutely fine. she took the whole experience in her stride. She was very much an outdoor cat but arriving in August she put one paw outside felt the heat and decided to stay inside! She was very happy to be in an air conditioned villa! She made no attempt to go out from that day on. However - not long before we were due to leave Dubai she did a disappearing act and was missing for around 10 days - she was found safe and sound at the end of our street in Arabian Ranches - a little thinner but absolutely fine! Since returning to the UK she has become a seasoned outdoor cat again - she's 14 and is absolutely fine. The animals are checked by a vet before they travel so they only travel if they pass the fit to fly tests. I agree with the OP use an agent as they can clear them through much quicker so they are not hanging around at the airport. we used Alison Dubai Doghouse for both trips and she was excellent.
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:50
So, so sorry to hear that your Dad has lost his fight. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I know just how devasted you are feeling but try to take comfort that you were able to be there with him and he knew you were there. Donating his kidneys is an amazing act of kindness and one that I hope will ease your pain. I have a friend in the UK on the transplant list and every time the phone rings it could be the call that will change his life. It's through people making those decisions at such difficult times that could give him back a far better life to enjoy with his young family. Thank you from everyone on the transplant list for making that decision in your time of grief DC. Another bright star will be in the sky this evening. RIP
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 18:26
I had a couple of great girls nights out in both Karma Kafe and Left Bank at Souk Al Bahar - really good. both have vouchers in the entertainer book I think so makes it much more reasonable!
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 18:25
nooooooooo - don't do it in one hit....... do it in 2 stages. go shoulder/jaw line first and then go really short from there - you may regret taking such a drastic step but if you do it in 2 stages it's not such a shock......
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 14:30
Why don't you do Pizza Express - they make their own Pizzas - they then get to eat them too. You could also get in a whole load of cake decorationg bits and pieces and while they are waiting for their pizzas to be cooked they could decorate cupcakes to take home.....
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 11:19
This question was asked last week - here's the thread with the answers for you http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=178812
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 11:13
Sorry to jump in but has anyone seen Cake flour anywhere in Dubai? I did post on the foodies but it's slow. It is not plain flour, although plain flour can be used as an alternative. Thanks I used to buy cake flour in spinneys
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 11:08
the guys in the antique museum in al quoz do great framing. i was in there once when a lady came in to collect her items one of which was a silk carpet and she was absolutely delighted with it. It looked stunning.
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 10:50
the carrot cake in Circle Cafe - upstairs in the Beach Park Plaza opposite jumeirah beach park does the best carrot cake ever - beats lime tree in my opinion!
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 00:37
Just popped on here to see if there was an update DC. sounds like you've had a very very difficult day. Here's hoping for better news tomorrow for you all. Thanks for updating - thinking of you and sending a big hug. xx
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 12:35
I think you can hire from life pharmacy too. Hope she feels better soon.
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 10:02
I would send a letter to the tenant and get a friend to hand deliver just stating that the rent has not been paid for how long and that you are just advising them that you I'll have to hand the matter to the authorities to sort out. If I it a note like that I would be straight into my employers to sort out. He may not be aware at all that the rent has not been paid.
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 09:42
We got lots of different magnets at dragonmart
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 09:41
Oman is lovely but if I was 30 weeks pregnant I'd probably prefer to do a shorter journey and get a longer weekend. My favourite paces to o for weekends out of dubai are the Hilton resort and spa in RAK and le meridien Al Aqah We always stay at the Shangri la hotel in Oman gorgeous!
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Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 09:35
I would choose dso any day over ic. There's a new gems school at dso I have friends whose children go there and they're really happy. Lots of kids at dso and the people I know who live there love it. If it boils down to money if it was me I would make a saving elsewhere to be able to go to dso. You will meet lots of nice mums there. Ic is used for staff accommodation by many companies and as another poster says there doesn't seem to be a restriction on how many people they can cram into a unit. A few years ago after the rains there was raw sewage in the streets at ic getting the place renamed as international shitty! I would avoid at all costs if it was me. As someone else mentioned check out discovery gardens too up by Ibn battuta. Good luck
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Latest post on 11 May 2012 - 20:21
Rivington Grill at the madinat followed by drinks at one of the bars - Bahri Bar is nice. grand grill at the Habtoor Grand is fun and the good is great Bussola at The Westin
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 22:25
Why don't you just call a couple of companies and get them in to give you an accurate quote. They don't charge and at least then you will have accurate figures to work with.
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 22:19
Check your copy of the tenancy contract but if it's the standard contract there is clause 5 that states if the tenant does not adhere to the terms of the contract that he can be evicted immediately. As yours has not adhered to the contract by paying their rent then they should be given immediate notice to quit. I would call and speak to someone at the rent committee and/or Rera and ask them who you need to deal with in order to get these tenants out for failure to pay. Just a thought......did you use an agent when you put the house on the rental market. could you re-engage with the agent and ask them if they can help recover the rent and/or issue the eviction notice. Or.....maybe an agent would be happy to handle this for you for a small fee...... Check out the wording on this contract: http://www.propertycommunity.com/forum/images/Rental_Agreement_Dubai.pdf
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 22:14
Thinking of you all and hope the next few days bring better news for you all. DC you are in the right place - I'm sure your Dad knows you are there and will take comfort that you are close to him.
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Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 01:59
Frenchay has an amazing reputation. I know how hard it is to be something to everyone - don't worry about being short with the kids - when they grow up they will understand how hard everything is for you. Here's hoping that you Dad can get through this. Big cyber hug to you xxx
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 14:47
You are so very welcome. I know, only too well, how you are feeling. Treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure or something and relax and look around to see how lucky you really are. I hope, in time, you will have the success you crave. xxx
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 13:09
After my recent miscarriage I completely blamed myself and my age (40) however, I came to realise that SO many of my friends in various countries had also sadly miscarried first time round and not all at my age either. It is too easy to blame yourself particulalry when older and there is no denying that whilst I am now desperatley ttc again I am stressing myself out about the possibility of it happening again which I know will not help. It is a common and sad occurrence that often goes unspoken about for personal reasons which I fully respect. Personally I needed to talk about it and was glad of the support and the success stories following on from previous miscarriages. I am now 41 and not giving up hope. Dangerous blonde - people never cease to amaze me with their 'helpful comments'! I hope all is going well for you! ilovewine - so pleased for you - you give me hope on what is today a 'yucky' day! Congratulations on your precious little bundle! xxx Never give up Confusion. I suffered many miscarriages over many years and presumed that I would never be a mum. I fell pregnant naturally at 41 and went on to deliver the most gorgeous little boy. I then fell pregnant very quickly after having him and sadly miscarried that baby. At the age of 43 I fell pregnant naturally again and delivered my little princess. I had early miscarriages and late miscarriages and each one knocked the stuffing out of me but......I never gave up hope, I know I'm lucky and I thank my lucky stars every night when I tuck them into their beds and kiss their chubby cheeks! Keep positive, relax and enjoy your life - you just don't know what's around the corner. xx Clairehdp - thank you SO much. What a lovely story. So happy that you now have those gorgeous chubby cheeks to kiss goodnight to after all you've been through. Please god I will be able to post on here someday and share a success story. In the meantime, that post has been a real help and motivation to me. THANK YOU.xx I hope to read that post too! I've just heard from a friend this morning who also left Dubai - she has just had a little girl after trying for many many years - I've just sent her a long e mail because we chatted at a party and she was so down about not being able to have aother child and she thought perhaps she was too old......I told her my story just like I shared with you and told her if it was something she really really wanted to not give up hope - how lovely to hear from her this morning and see the pictures of her adorable baby girl....... another lovely story. Keep healthy and happy and relax......I hope great things are round the corner for you.
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 13:09
Quite a few of my friends have been in their 40's with their first children... And Claire, WOW you looking good lady.. Thank you!
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 02:15
The bar at West 14th on the Palm is lovely.
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 02:14
I thought Caramel was at the DIFC? :-) It is in DIFC
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 02:09
Clifford tailors in Satwa will do a great job. He does lots of costumes for stage shows. he's down a little alley way almost opposite the municipality building where all the cars have their windows tinted.. Nice guy. Hi Clairehdp Would you have the number for Clifford? I too, need somone to make some stage outfits for 4 yr olds. TIA 04-3492774 - not sure I'd ring - far better to go in and have a chat in person.....
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 02:04
Many thanks for your replies, ladies. I share so many of your experiences and thoughts. I wasn't particularly impressed with the schools in Dubai and the maid culture also drove me mad but I guess that's personal choice. I missed so much about the UK when I was away: greenery, the parks, bike rides but to be honest, I think much of it is spoilt by the 'chav culture' that seems to exist everywhere and everywhere is SOOOO busy! Maybe I am just being a fussy cow and should just be grateful for what I have. I don't even know if I regret moving back and whether I will regret not giving Dubai another chance if we stay!!! ARGH!!! and you think there are no chavs in Dubai? :\:
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 02:02
we bought our property whilst in Dubai in fact we bought one in the UK and one in Spain - didn't use anyone - I travelled out once to each location to view and dealt with agents/lawyers on e mail and skype. both sales were completed with no problems.
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Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 01:55
Which area of London? Buying or rental?
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 17:31
DC - my mum and sister are in Somerset. Is your Dad in Yeovil hospital - they are so kind in there and were fabulous to us all when my Dad was in there. Hoping that the next few days go well for your Dad and he recovers well.
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:14
After my recent miscarriage I completely blamed myself and my age (40) however, I came to realise that SO many of my friends in various countries had also sadly miscarried first time round and not all at my age either. It is too easy to blame yourself particulalry when older and there is no denying that whilst I am now desperatley ttc again I am stressing myself out about the possibility of it happening again which I know will not help. It is a common and sad occurrence that often goes unspoken about for personal reasons which I fully respect. Personally I needed to talk about it and was glad of the support and the success stories following on from previous miscarriages. I am now 41 and not giving up hope. Dangerous blonde - people never cease to amaze me with their 'helpful comments'! I hope all is going well for you! ilovewine - so pleased for you - you give me hope on what is today a 'yucky' day! Congratulations on your precious little bundle! xxx Never give up Confusion. I suffered many miscarriages over many years and presumed that I would never be a mum. I fell pregnant naturally at 41 and went on to deliver the most gorgeous little boy. I then fell pregnant very quickly after having him and sadly miscarried that baby. At the age of 43 I fell pregnant naturally again and delivered my little princess. I had early miscarriages and late miscarriages and each one knocked the stuffing out of me but......I never gave up hope, I know I'm lucky and I thank my lucky stars every night when I tuck them into their beds and kiss their chubby cheeks! Keep positive, relax and enjoy your life - you just don't know what's around the corner. xx
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:41
The walk just from the car park was an absolute killer. There's no way on earth I'd do a 15 minute walk with little ones at those times. By the time they arrive at school in the morning they will be hot and sweaty and then go into cool air con classrooms - then they get sick! At the end of the day they are sooooo pooped anyway that dragging them back on a 15 minute walk would be unbearable.
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 20:54
Take it to the police. Not sure why you've still got it if you found it last Tuesday the person might have left the country by now!
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 17:40
would she prefer someone to come to the house - perhaps she doesn't want to go into a salon. there are some great mobile hairdressers who I'm sure would be happy to come over and chat to her in the privicy of her own home.
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 17:38
this happended to us. Our LL served us with notice to evict because he wanted to sell. it was our first year renewal and we had a renewable contract. we informed him in wiriting in the correct notice period that we wished to renew. We went to the rent committee for advice and they infomed us that he is perfetly free to sell his property but that he must sell with us as tenants. the new owners would take over our lease and would have to give us 12 months notice to quit at the end of our existing contract. So.....whatever happens - you will get at last 1 more year. You may find that he sells the property to someone who does not wish to live there and so you will get to renew for many more years....... go in person for advice - much better and take your lease and explain that it's your first year and that you have invested money in the decoration etc etc......
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 17:26
In the antiques museum they have omani silver document scrolls - can be used for birth ceritifcate.
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 16:35
Just a word of caution. If you are renting please please check that your contract is a renewable contract. You could find out that you've spent all that money making hte propery so much nicer and you get an eviction notice.....it has happened before..... A friend of mine decided to put in a pool and completely landscape the garden so they met with their landlord and drew up a new contract confirming that they would be able to stay in the villa for a minimum of 3 years but with a notice period for them to vacate should they wish/need to. At least that way they were happy to shell out all that money knowing that they would have at least 3 years to enjoy it - and probably longer but that if their circumstances changed then they would be able to put in notice and move. the LL was happy with this because, at the end of hte day, his property has been enhanced at no cost to him! You've probably thought of this but I just thought I'd mention it!
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 13:10
Clifford tailors in Satwa will do a great job. He does lots of costumes for stage shows. he's down a little alley way almost opposite the municipality building where all the cars have their windows tinted.. Nice guy.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 11:54
Sending you lots of love. Don't know where in the uk you are but I'm here in Surrey if there's anything I can do to help please let me know. I could cook some food and bring over to make sure you eat. Just shout if you need anything.
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Latest post on 06 May 2012 - 11:45
Thank you girls. I think it looks mostly like samdhi said, he will refuse to renew. Thanks to you ladies for all the highly appreciated answers. With regards to above, are you sure it's 3 months? And, after having lived here 2 years, how much could he put the rent up (he tried it every year and will try again, even if it's just to get us out so he can make more money) Right so......if he comes back to you and tries to raise he rent then he is paying games. You need that in writing and then ht oot t to the rent committee. If you are paying market rate rent as per the renal calculator (which I am sure you are as you've only been there 2 ears) then your rent can't be increased and you will ave a case against him on that alone. Add in he wants you out to sell/move in etc and they an see his games and you will be ble to stay. What he needs to do on your renewal is give you one more year with a non renewable on tract that way it's hs 1 year notices you to eave at the end of that contract. Simple.