Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 11:24
You get a proper contract to sign at immigration when you do the residency procedure for your housemaid. It covers pretty much everything and she has to sign it and so do you and it is stamped at immigration and they keep a copy on the files there too
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 17:54
The camel company are in most malls - there's a proper camel company shop in the Madinat. They usually have stalls in most of the big malls. You can also get really nice camels in the Hallmark shops - again in most of the shopping malls.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 13:25
just remembered - friends of ours took a shisha pipe and all the things they needed so they could have shisha back home!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 13:24
We had a photoshoot with Annabel McRae in the desert and I got loads of the pictures put onto canvas and took those all back - they are amazing photos and everyone comments on them. I went through loads of photos that we had taken in our time in Dubai and got them put onto Canvas at Le Cadre in Satwa - miles cheaper than having them done in the UK and they were all wrapped wel adn put into the container. we also took some of the arabic lanterns for our garden. I filled my spice box and took that in my luggage (don't put food items in your container). I also went on a shopping spree for nice nic nacs and had those all packed up so I have some bits and pieces that remind us of our time in Dubai. Didnt get carpets but wish I had now we have moved I have a room where one of the beautiful rugs would have looked amazing........
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 22:28
Beyond the beach is usually pretty good and Go Sports
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 22:26
You can go onto Roomservice.ae and order your xmas lunch - they deliver alot of the hotel xmas lunches. You can order yule logs etc too. we have had a couple of xmas lunches from the Marriott at the Marina (nothing to do with Habtoor Grand) it used to be the Emirates Hotel - and it was absolutely superb but they didn't deliver we just picked it up on our way to our friends house. Most of the golf clubs seem to do turkey take out too - worth getting on the phone and seeing who is nearest to you and putting an order in although it's pretty early to place the order. It used to make me chuckle that they had no prices or details about christmas until a few weeks before! For those who want home made xmas cakes remember to go to the xmas craft fairs - there are some amazing bakers in Dubai and they make amazing xmas cakes.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 22:16
they are also sold in bags where all the spices are in all the supermarkets.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 18:24
best artificial trees and stunning decorations are in Falcon Gallery in al quoz. they do many of the trees in the hotels. A fantastic store and so much cheaper than other places.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 17:00
Comfort beauty also come to your home - manis/pedis, waxing and massage.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 13:12
SB why are you organising your maids shipping? It's her responsibilty not yours and she will find a rate far cheaper than you can via the maid network. Yeah agree completely. Let her deal with it with the Maid network - it's amazing how it all gets sorted and how much cheaper too.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 13:08
Have you contacted the JamJar in Al Quoz - they often have workshops running. It's a fantastci place. http://www.thejamjardubai.com/
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 00:33
I'd second the recommendation for tumble time - easy to deal with, reliable and excellent. http://www.tumbletimedubai.com/ Depends what type of party you want but Tina at Splash n bounce is really good too and you can't beat Me&Riley
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 11:04
Frenchy I just saw your other thread about handbags and if you are going to Bicester village as tally ho suggests that would be a really good meeting up pace fr s - so let me know I was asking about t with a friend of mine yesterday funnily enough and she has just been and bought the most amazing handbag at a fraction of the usual selling price!
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 11:01
I'm pretty sure she's still there but if you are trying to get her in holiday time you probably won't get her as she does lots of charity work and often travels to tiny villages in Thailand and gives out clothes etc to the children there. It would be worth trying her after Eid holidays and all the schools are back. Good luck I absolutely loved her classes.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 10:56
On the plus side, at least you can watch Doc Martin, Downton Abbey, Young Apprentice and loads of other stuff without having to wait for the progs to be shown on OSN or produced in a box-set. Download them simplest and watch them the following day we didn't miss anything when we were there just watched it a day later. We also have a slingbx so could watch everything live anyway but the time difference got in the way of that.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 23:34
Thanks ladies, I have joined the gym and take classes at least 3 times a week. I love it but I don't think I'll be making friends there since the ladies are at least 20 years older than me!!! They are in very good shape:) Yes everyone says it will take time but since I only have a year or two I'll probably meet someone the day we leave the uk! Anyway thanks for your kind words ladies, you are all very nice. Hey - a really good friend of mine is almost 20 years older than me - we met on my first ever day of working and it was her first day at the same company but she had been working for years - we clicked on the first day and keep in touch and see each other when we can - she's now in South Africa and I am in the UK but we skype and e mail. I saw more of her when I was in Dubai because she'd do stopovers there and stay with us. sometimes it's the people you think you are less likely to be friends with who turn out to be the best mates..... It's not been very long - perhaps the school will have some social events in the lead up to christmas and you will meet some lovely mums who you can have as friends. If you are coming down south please get in touch and we can meet up. claire dot damamme @ ntlworld dot com
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 23:25
Maybe time for an Ex/Expatwoman section on EW!!! I met one of the loveliest ladies from Dubai here in Cyprus.....also an EW er ...........how about it Admin? there used to be a section for the UK but it disappeared - it was run by 2 ladies who lived close to me but I have no idea where they are now - shame because they seemed really helpful to those moving over and experiencing problems in settling in.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 22:36
Some companies have been recommended on here - I really can't think of who we used but the little vans are always driving around piled high with heavily taped boxes. Found this for you but don't know the company http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=100660
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 21:46
Frenchy - I am now back in the UK having lived in Dubai for over 5 years. I'm loving spending more time with my old friends and my family and we moved to a new house too so we've got new neighbours who are lovely so nice new friends too. I'm just recovering from knee surgery so have not been out and about for the last 5 weeks which has driven me mad but I'm almost back to normal and can drive. Whereabouts are you - I'd be very happy to meet up with you. I am in Surrey. Are there no classes you can sign up for - zumba, yoga, pilates - that way you'll meet people. I've not been able to meet too many people at our new school because I've not been able to do the school run but I've volunteered to help with the stage preparations for the christmas production and the mums have organised a night out and a coffee morning so the new mums can get to meet everyone. How about inviting some of the mums in your class back to yours for coffee after school drop off? sometimes we have to be big and bold and make the first move! Natalie - if I can help you settle into life over here - let me know!......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 18:48
there are loads of shipping companies that pick up for the Philippines and they are not at al expensive. It takes between 6 - 10 weeks to arrive but all the housemaids know about the companies. Get your housemaid to ask around and come up with some recommendations. My housemaid used to send her huge boxes off for christmas and birthdays. I used to help her with the cost - can't remember exactly what it was but nowhere near 1,000 dhs. Sorry I just can't remember the name of the last company she used - but they were excellent. You call them and they bring boxes and packing tapes and come back another day to collect.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 13:53
the best bakers in Dubai (imo) is Le Succes in Motor City. Their pain au chocolat are superb, their breads are excellent, they do the most beautiful pastries and will box them up beautifully for you. They also have little gift packs of things like meringues and maccaroons. The bakers in Le Marche are also good and if you speak to the main guy there he will come up with a idea for a gift for you too. At Spinneys they will ice a message on a cake for you if you ask them to.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 01:41
Just one thing - has the guy coloured his bald patch? The back of his head was jet black.....It looked most strange...
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 01:39
I don't think he's slept at all for the weekend. He looked a very different man from the one who has been in that court over the last few weeks. Not an ounce of emotion - very odd.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 23:55
OOooh Salsb that sounds awful. I think I'd get the prescription changed to antibiotics that you can have a glass of wine with - life is too short to do without!!!!! My Dr would always prescribe me meds that I could have a little tipple with as I saw it as part of the healing process!!!!! Hiope you feel better soon.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 23:51
My mum is on codeine based pain relief and before she travelled out to see us her Dr would put her one a different pain relief without codeine. It's best not to have the codeine in the system......just not worth risking it as it's banned and illegal - see if he can be prescribed something different - if he's really not well it might be worth considering delaying the flight in for a few days. Hope he gets better soon.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 22:03
I have, in the past, struggled with sinus infections and they really hurt so I know how you feel. sounds like you need a really big bumper antibiotic to clear it once and for all. If I were you I'd get to an ENT specialist. Dr Bhagat at the International Medical Centre on al Wasl Road is really good. Hope you feel better soon. xx
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 06 November 2011 - 19:15
Yes perfectly clear sense Dubaicat - you're absolutely right it's just sensationalism - those headlines sell papers but most of the papers here this morning are just entitled - Carnage...... There will be a full investigation. We were travelling home on the A303 last night and there were so many firework displays going on and because the road is so high up with fields on either side - it was hard not to be distracted by the amazing displays.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 06 November 2011 - 19:02
It was always on the hour from 4 pm on weekdays and from 3 pm on weekends - might be worth checking with them if they have different timings for Eid. You can call them on 04 366 3538
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 18:23
Have you had a look in Home Center because I'm sure I've seen those style of beds in there before
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 18:22
We had to deal with this twice last year when my husbands father passed away and my dad too so my kids lost both their grandpas very quickly. My husband's father was ill and we had been back to visit him and the children knew that he was very sick so they seemed OK - they were very pragmatic and my little girl who was 5 said - so he's not going to hurt any more...... We told them that he had gone to heaven and was a bright star in the sky. When my Dad passed away it was far more tricky because we were due to see him at the weekend after travelling back from Dubai for the summer and he passed away unexpectedly and we didn't get to see him. The children were both upset because they hadn't seen him but asked if he would go to heaven and see their other grandad - so of course we said yes. They didn't really many questions other than would he see his old dog that had died and would he see their 2 hamsters who had also died and gone to heaven...... it made it easier for us - we had lots of cuddles and reassurance that both Mummy and Daddy were not ready to go to heaven yet but they were pretty good. I think it's us adults that struggle more. Every night they say goodnight to their grandad and grandpa ted stars. I think at 5 you really don't need to go into lots of detail just reassure them and make sure you are around for lots of cuddles. When you lose your dad it's lovely to snuggle in with your kids. My condolences to your sister and her husband.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 18:11
You'll meet lots of british families in the restaurant at the golf club at Arabian Ranches.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 November 2011 - 14:19
Crumpets are the same as English muffins if in England BUT if they are Scottish then they are flat. See the pics in this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crumpet#Scottish_crumpet Scottish crumpets are a bit more salty ( well there's a surprise! :D) SM - you are totally wrong...... crumpets are totally different to English muffiins. Muffins are similar to bread rolls - you peel them in half and toast them. Crumpets are all one and you pop them into the toaster. We always have crumpets in the bread bin and I agree with Tally Ho - scotch pancakes are delicious - especially lemon and raisin ones - often have one for my breakfast! another big favourite is malt loaf - love that for breakfast with a hot china mug of tea.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 17:26
Dr Nicola Dreamer comes highly recommended. I know people who have seen her and say she's excellent. she works in the same surgery as Dr Carol did and is UK trained. I have seen Nicola Deamer at DLC, not sure if this is the same lady as Claire mentions, but if so she is very good. yes thats her
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 16:36
My 8 year old boy loves his nintendo ds, ipad, electric scooter, diary of a wimpy kid books, kids joke books, plays for hours and hours with lego, loves the electronic monopoly game and of course, his bike. Just thought if you could see what my 8 year old plays with most of the time you might get some ideas.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 16:23
Dr Nicola Dreamer comes highly recommended. I know people who have seen her and say she's excellent. she works in the same surgery as Dr Carol did and is UK trained.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 19:14
Thanks Clairehdp, I've been at Emirates Golf club and you are right its very nice but for personal reasons I need to have somebody teaching my child at my home.....;) No worries - just a thought - why don't you pop into the community pool there and see if they can recommend someone.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 17:55
I got my kids swimming at Emirates golf club - they have superb swimming instructors there and they did far better learning with others than on their own. We were in Jum Islands then and it's only a 10 minute drive there - so glad I changed as they were swimming in no time. If you call the club they will give you all the details. The pool there can be used all the time whereas the jum island pools can be either too hot or too cold if you have no chiller/heater on them.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:52
Verre is re-opening - surely they won't miss out on christmas before opening.....
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Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:23
You should be able to name it on here - after all it's not taking business away from anyone in Dubai! I recommend companies all the time it's really useful information especially with the holidays coming up and people wanting to use cars in the UK when they are visiting.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 00:18
I can highly recommend Tina. take a look at her website she can now offer everything. we had her do the catering and just ordered in the cupcakes and birthday cake - so easy and a great, great party! http://www.splashnbounce.com/
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 17:04
I would highly recommend Dr Marc Sinclair too.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 15:14
Carrot cake? Just because I can't make the Victoria sponge which is my favourite. Carrot cake is so easy to make. I am a pretty awful baker but this easy chuck it all in recipe for victoria sponge cake works a treat every time! http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1997/classic-victoria-sandwich
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 15:10
Can't really help you Sugarbeach on this really because our situation is very different. The only visas that we had cancelled were mine and the kids because my DH still works there and the company is still there so he has his visa etc and our bank account is fully operational........ Is your DH transferring with the same company? If so, it would be a transfer - not a resignation so that should be OK with regards to the bank surely. I thought they only froze the accounts when a final payment salary was paid in. I think it would be worth you and your DH going in for a meeting with the bank to get their take on it.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 15:02
I saw you Ms Hoey!!! what about Mauritius too thats only 6 hr flight so if anyone can tell us if they have been to a child friendly resort there that would be great! Oooooh it sounds like I work for Hilton but I honestly don't! We had a couple of really lovely holidays at the Hilton in Mauritius too! We booked it throgh Mark Warner though because we wanted to take advantage of the kids club facility with them and at that time they were running the kids club. I have a feeling that the club is not now operated by Mark Warner. Our 2 kids are older now anyway but at the time we really loved the Mark Warner facility as they did a tea on the beach for the kids and you then could take them back to the club in the evening for a slumber type party - big cushions on the floor and movies while you went and had a lovely meal without kids! Not sure if they still offer that facility but the kids club and playground area was lovely.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:58
There's a map on their website.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:55
Park and shop do the most delicious scones - so get on the phone and order those. Pop into Spinneys and pick up a jar of Bonne Maman strawberry jam and then go to the chiller section and pick up some pots of the fresh double cream - it's really thick and goes beautifully on scones. (it's in little blue and white pots) It doesn't get more English than that and, as you're pushed for time, you'll be able to get it all done quickly. I would also take in a dish of butter - I like scones with butter, jam AND cream! The thing that I would do for International day at school was to bake a whole load of little sponge cakes (cup cakes) split them in half, spread them with strawberry jam and sprinkle them with caster sugar - miniature victoria sponges - they were super easy and were always eaten in a flash. Also - they were Queen Victoria's favourite cake - so a bit of history too! Would love to see what other dishes are brought in by everyone - what a great idea. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 31/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:46
I would highly recommend the Hilton Iru fushi resort. We have been a number of times and it's superb. Cater really well for the children too. Great kids club. Nice little touches laid on for the kids. If there are enough kids staying on the resort they also put on a kids buffet. If you ask my children where they would like to go on holiday they always ask if they can go back to Iru Fushi!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 14:51
Soft toy camel Pottery Barn kids do some lovely soft toys/kids stuff - you can get items personalised too - I'd take a stroll around there and see what takes your fancy. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 29/10/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 00:15
I'm not great with blood tests and often pass out (I know how embarrassing). I tell them in advance that I am niot great and they have always don the blood test away from the other people having their blood test and made me lie down. So, if I were you I would let them know in advance that you are not good with needles.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 00:06
I'm in blighty missing the shwarmas! So you just can't win. We do have a great kebab shop though who deliver but I'm missing my eat and drink shwarmas! Claire, I will take you to the best shwarma place London you will be in 7th heaven when you try them they're amazing I love the sound of that tally ho xx
 
 
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