Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 19:17
How sad am I? I really miss CB and GB - so much so that my husband downloads their podcasts and I listen to them in the car on the school run - just like I did when I was in Dubai!!!!!! LOL !!! you can also listen to them on the internet anytime... I was just loving being back in the UK with Johnny Vaughan on the radio and within a couple of months he left........I still can't find a station that makes me chuckle in the mornings like CB and GB do so am enjoying catching up with them!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 19:07
How sad am I? I really miss CB and GB - so much so that my husband downloads their podcasts and I listen to them in the car on the school run - just like I did when I was in Dubai!!!!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 19:04
a friend of mine has just moved there - she said her husbands office has offered her pepper spray to keep in her handbag. Not sure I would move there now - especially if you have children......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 22:37
You could easily do Greenfield Community school from DSO in 25 minutes but on the bypass road - not Emirates. The joy of the bypass road is that you come into the Green Community right by Greenfield Community School so cut out all the main traffic going into the Green Community.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 19:31
We bake together - decorate cookies or cupcakes. both love cooking and we all have loads of fun. We make use of car journeys and play lots of 'I spy with my little eye' We often have a family movie night at weekends where we all snuggle on the sofa with homemade popcorn.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 17:00
I woudl take my little boy to Dr Nasir at Dermacare - was very very happy with him - he comes highly recommended on here by many - this is how I found him.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 16:51
If it's on your face I would go to Dr Jaffer Khan. He removed suspect moles from a friend and as he's a cosmetic plastic surgeon the stitching was excellent and no scarring. He has removed suspect moles from my DH (not from the face though) and he sends them for analysis to a clinic in Canada. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 23/02/2012</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 13:19
So, so, sad. My condolences to you and your family. Thank you for posting this as it will make us all more aware of how dangerous the water can be. May your Mum rest in peace.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 February 2012 - 16:20
We used Alison from dubai Doghouse too and she's superb. Easy to deal with and she has a great reputation in dubai.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 18:45
Not without my daughter by Betty Mahmoody
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 18:38
yes he can come out again after checking in although your DH has to wait for him outside (can't come inside the check in area). I always went in through to the check in area when my mum and dad were travelling back. just got my bags x rayed like everyone else.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 17:23
Hi there, My hubby (and his workmates) say that I make the best cupcakes EVER!!! I am happy to post the recipe if you would like it. *puts hand up* :) yes please!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 15:43
Magnolia hands down (full marks for moistness and the yummy yum yum icing), then Hey Sugar (Magnolia's icing is better), then Kitsch (not so moist, icing ok). I agree with those ratings too!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 15:40
Lemon and sugar Freshley squeezed orange juice, sugar and cointreau
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 15:39
Spinneys will ice a message on one of their ready made cakes.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 23:25
We used globalpack and they were excellent. Easy to deal with - very competitively priced and a great bunch of guys who really did know what they were doing. would highly recommend them.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 15:53
London/Paris bth great cities at easter
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 15:52
Depends what you're looking for. Worth it for the white. Company bedding and towels, sports wear, trainers, villebreqain swimmers, suitcases. I know people who have bought some amazing outfits there but I can't be bothered with rummaging around to find a bargain but it's not so bad.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 15:49
Can you go and sty at a friends where someone sthere all dy? My ster had that surgery and I don't remember her having to keep her eyes closed or 3 days she had to wear dark glasses but was not told to lie in bed or 3 dys. Call them today to check if that's really the case. Good luck
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 15:46
My little boy loved it he was 7 and went for 1 night and 2 days land and water activities with the school. They all seemed to enjoy the time.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 15:04
Sign him up for a sailing course - he'll meet some great people - can chill at the bar afterwards - always a fun time to be had on the water and it's very very social.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 15:00
Last one in the series tonight. It's got better viewing figures than Downton Abbey!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 14:09
If I had teenagers I think I would look at JBR because you have the beach and all the restaurants/cafes on The Walk - always busy and buzzing there.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 18 February 2012 - 17:33
roomservice.ae
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 18 February 2012 - 16:29
I've had some lovely salads in Cocos JBR and Saladicious do amazing salads http://www.saladicious.com/saladicious/menu/restaurant-menu/salads/index.html
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 00:21
Chocoa at the back of Mall of The Emirates - amazing cakes and chocolates.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 18:36
I think one of the best kids party planners have to be Me & Riley there are others but we've been to many, many me and riley parties and they really do stand out http://meandriley.com/
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 16:21
We have bought 2 properties from Dubai - and sold another from Dubai through UK agents. Very easy to deal with the agents. If you need the face to face contact use skype! E mail etc made it realy easy for me especially when I put forward a completely crazy offer that I would have been embarrassed to put face to face - via e mail - it was much easier - and.....after a couple of e mail exchanges and a few days silence from me - it was accepted!!!! As far as looking is concerned it's worth trawling through rightmove - you can also check rental figures on there too. i rented out a property a few years ago when I was living abroad - was easy through the agents - got a really good income - paid them to manage it and it was all fine. they also found me new tenants with no empty months so it was money well spent for me. Good luck - it's exciting. remember too - outside of London there are good deals to be had - put in crazy offers - you just never know what you might end up with!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 16:03
We return time and time again to Le Meridien. there are vouchers in the entertainer for the restuarants, the kids club is excellent and our 2 kids love it there. There's a little animal park there now which my daughter loves. We book the staff to babysit for a night and used to always call up in advance and get the same lovely lady (unfortunately she's gone now). The thai restaurant Taste is fabulous. Love sitting at the Gonu bar in the evenings watching the sea. It's one of our favourtie places to escape to and the hotel are really good with the kids.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 12:13
Can't help re vouchers but did anyone recommend doing afternoon tea on the bateaux Dubai I knw a couple of people have done it and said it was fabulous and your friend will get to see Dubai from the creek. If you have a jebel Ali neighbourhood priviledge card you get a discount too!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 23:28
Surprised you have left it so long and that you don't even know if there is a counsellor in the school! I completely agree. 2 years of bullying - my goodness no wonder she has anger issues. I would be in that school first thing in the morning to see the Head. I wouldn't spend any time with the form teacher - you tried that and nothing has been done. Your poor poor daughter. She needs to see you take the matter higher and know that you will do everything in your power to get things right for her. Why should she have to leave her friends because of a group of cowards - hopefully with the right level of intervention the cowards will be dealt with and if they can't mend their ways it's them who should be removed from the school - not your daughter. Good luck. Keep calm, but get the school to admit to the problem and make sure they have a plan to deal with it and follow it through.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 11:49
It is the law but for some reason my LL choses to ignore this and I am not sitting and watching repair men fit a new water heater as my kitchen heater has leaked and my celling has collapsed. I've decided to add up all my bills and work out how many extra days past my tenancy contract it adds up to and will stay until then. Lets see how he likes that. Very god and fair but I bet he won't like it one bit!!!! Good for you standing up to him.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 11:48
I thought it was also the law that the landlord has to pay general household maintenance - A/C, plumbing, electrics etc. Yeah you are right but so any use ths to top up the rent by making the tenant pay.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 11:40
It's never easy staying with lots of different people but if you start to look on it as an adventure and package it like that to your kids it will be better! We were lucky as we kept our hose in the uk so just slotted back in every summer but we had friends over many times who were doing the camping at family houses all summer. The trick is to have lots of stuff planned so you are out and about most days and you only go back to sleep. We did picnics in he parks, trips to London, long leat safari park, days at the seaside, thorpe park etc etc meeting up with friends from Dubai who were all in the same boat as you will be. The thing that seemed to work best is to have a main base ( say your mums) and travel out from there. There's so much to do and so many people will want to see you that te 7 weeks will fly by - is actually only going to be 5 weeks as you've got your cottages booked. I would, if you ave the budget, book the motor home and travel around somewhere like Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, lake district, peak district and stop somewhere different every night - big adventure! It's not going to be easy but it can be lads of fun. The friends who ad the best times were those who looked on it as a time for la ds f fun with so many different people. Factor in a night or 2 with friends where you can totally relax and moan about your family - you'll need that to get you back on the adventure track!!! Good luck!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 11:29
I wonder how many people signed up and paid for the all new all singing country club that was supposed to have opened ages ago - not seen or heard anything about that........ Not stealing the thread, but I did hear that they have refunded everyone.....anyway, nothing would have been as good as the 'real' Country Club. That's good to hear- yeah nothing could replace that place! Loved their roast dinners!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 11:26
Can they not trace the owners from the microchip? <em>edited by Clairehdp on 13/02/2012</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 11:17
Delayed openings are the norm in Dubai. Look at the thousands of people who have paid up front for properties that have been delayed for years and some who have still not even been started. Have you been past where the unit is in motor city is there activity? Does it look like its nearly ready? Remember most places quote opening dares and very few achieve them for many many different reasons most of which are totally out of the companies control. You won't lose out because your membership will run from their opening date not the projected opening that you were told so, although it's frustrating and annoying - at least you will get your full membership. I wonder how many people signed up and paid for the all new all singing country club that was supposed to have opened ages ago - not seen or heard anything about that........ I hope it all comes together soon for you. Perhaps pop into another fitness first and ask to speak to the manager there and see if you can get a number from them of the best person to address about your concerns.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 01:24
He said that if the rent was not changed in the last 3 years that rera calculation is not valid. Anyone knows what the max is that he can raise it? TIA Let him take it up with Rera then!!!!! As the OP states - if you are paying under 25% of the market rate as per the Rera calculator then they cannot increase more than 5%. There's a sliding scale and I don't think there is a 50% increase on their calculator. Just refer him to Rera and let them tell him......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 17:53
Speak to Abeda at Spice and aroma - I'm sure she would be able to help you with catering not only does she do the most delicious Indian food but also Italian and thai http://www.spiceandaroma.com/Restaurant_Catering_Menu.html
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 17:20
I went to a party where royal kebab had done the catering it was delicious. Also Abeda from Spice and Aroma has recently opened up her own restaurant and is doing home catering - she's an amazing cook - her restaurant is in al Wasl Plaza - al wasl road. +971 555477860
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 14:12
Yes eat and drink restaurant do fab shwarmas they set up and send staff its around 700 dhs for approx 150 shwarma fresh and served to your guests. I have been to other shwarma parties but IMO eat and drink are excellent and they're really easy to deal with. The one I used is the one by union coop by safa park
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 13:34
... sorry to hijack, but after the second year what's the deal? If the rental increase requested by the LL is more that the RERA guidelines what's the deal? Thanks ps we're going into our second year ... as previously posted we paid 135k 2001-2012, LL said he'd had offers for 150-155K but would we be able to pay 145K, or pay 135K like last year, I think he was just trying it on - we said that we'd pay the same as last year as per the RERA guidelines and he just said ok!, thank Crunchie for EW! edited by cymraes on 12/02/2012 So pleased you got the right result. Yes the ll try it on! For your ext renewal te RERA guidelines are what you and your ll need to use. Max increase after first year renewal should be 5%
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 13:29
Why are you havIng to get theapartment painted? Does it say this in your contract. It's usually the landlord/lady who gets the place repainted. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 12/02/2012</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 13:09
Saw clips of it this week at the cinema - it looks absolutely fantastic. Amazing cast can't wait to see it!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 12:53
Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka all easy to get to from Dubai. My fav is Maldives. Lebanon, Oman, Egypt.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 11:33
If you google the make and model of your machine you should find a code to enter on the remote control that makes it multi region we have done this with most of our DVD players its really easy and works brilliantly
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 11:31
What a waste of an enormous talent RIP
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 11:30
There are lots of companies that do waterproof cast covers. If you have a shop and ship account you might be able to get one sent over before she leaves for Thailand they work really well. http://www.protectacast.com/
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 21:14
Yes it does apply to transferring to a new family although when we did it we did it straight away because I wanted to know where my lovely housemaid was before we left.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 20:13
No increase in the first year. anyway.....where on earth have rents gone up sooooo much in the past year? The increase in rents as per the rental increase rates really only come into play for someone who has been in the same property for years and years - as you've only been in for less than a year he's just trying it on and the agents should be ashamed of themselves.
 
 
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