Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 10:04
Assisi take your camera it's the mst beautiful hotel. Amala was on of my favourite restaurants. Enjoy it's amazing.
Clairehdp
2958
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 10:01
What a classic! Love it! well that's a trap for the uninitiated, LOL. Will go turn off water heaters right now. Thanks once again everyone! And hi Claire! How are you settling in to your new home? Lol! You save on Dewa too! New house is fab thanks for asking. Dh back in Dubai this week! We are off on holiday and then back for the container to arrive so then we will be all settled and ready for the new school. We've already been raspberry and blackberry picking and have dug up fresh carrots at the local farm! Enjoy your cooler showers!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 09:17
Oooh hi just popped on here and see your post! So glad you're there! The water thing is something we all get caught out with I think! Nothing wrong at all and a really simple fix. During the hot summer months your hot water will come out of your cold water tap! You don't need to put your hot water heater on as this becomes your cold water! You will only really need to start heating the water around December and can probably do the switch over again in may.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 11:33
Spread some pesto sauce onto the chicken breasts and bake in the oven - serve with fresh crispy mixed salad. hi claire!! sounds nice and so simple! Yep - you know me.....love simple, easy and tasty - it also works really well with tandoori paste - yum
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 11:27
Spread some pesto sauce onto the chicken breasts and bake in the oven - serve with fresh crispy mixed salad.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 11:24
It's available everywhere but it's usually called jaggery sugar. They usually come in packs of 2 or 3 and they look like breast implants!!!!! You can easily grate it which is much easier than melting it
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 01:11
Thanks everyone for your comments - although you all seem younger than me?? Am I too old at 40 to be having 3rd child?? By the time i fall pregnant (and that's another concern), be pregnant, I'll be at least 41... aaagh!! Funny - my DH evoked the subject today.... a sign??? If I'd thought 40 was too old I wouldn't have any children! I had my first baby, a boy at 41 and my little girl arrived a few weeks before my 43 birthday! Go for it!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 01:06
if you hotel in uae at christmas be prepared to pay double treble normal costs for hotels as they put prices up to rediculous levels over christmas and new year. some are hit and miss regarding what they provide re santa etc. so ring and find out before booking. what ever you do have a wonderful time. Very good point - the rates do go through the roof!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 00:48
All the big hotels have loads of christmassy things on over the festive holiday. We have been at the Hilton Jumeirah on Xmas morning and Santa came around the pool with gifts for each child. we have been on the beach at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Santa has come onto the beach with gifts for the children. we would go to one of the hotels for xmas carols...... sheraton, hilton, jumeirah beach and the crowne plaza all do carols in the early evening - some even serve mulled wine and mince pies! We did xmas lunch last year at Bab Al Shams and Santa arrived across the desert on a camel! Very christmassy and the hotel christmas trees, decorations and gingerbread houses are amazing.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 22:09
Aimee - they usually run a summer camp at the school. My kids went to it last year and it was great. Why don;t you pop down there as soon as you arrive and see if you can sign him up. That way - he'll be busy and will meet local kids straight away and you'll get some time to unpack and get the villa sorted!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 21:58
AussiePup. Listen to CP. She's absolutely right. You have every right to stay in that villa at the same rent for at least a further year if not for up to 3 years........ Stop looking - tell your LL that you have been in touch with the Rent Committee and if he wishes to sell the property he has to give you 1 years notice. So......tell him to give you notice of his intention to sell and you will vacate next year....... This happened to us twice in our time in Dubai and we won one rent committee case and we met with our other Landlord after being in his villa for 1 year when he served us notice to quit as he wished to sell. The rent committee were absolutely clear - he is free to sell his property whenever he wishes but with you in it as tenants. The new owner takes over your lease as a new landlord....... So - be strong and stay put and he is not allowed to increase your rent either. Believe me - this is the law..... Good luck. If someone comes to view make sure you make them fully aware that you are renting and that you have every intention to continue to live there.......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 10:42
Wishing you lots of fun with your new adventure. Friends of ours from Dubai have also just moved to Singapore - sounds like they are loving it so far. The update I got the other day is that setting up a bank account was done in a matter of hours unlike the Dubai 6 weeks!!!!!! Sounds like it's very efficient there and my friend is loving it. she also has 2 young children - hopefully you will meet up (she's sooooo lovely).
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 09:47
Download Skype before you leave the uk
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 09:45
Sorry October, it's been a busy week!!! Going to miss you at brunch today but we will toast you and the girlies! Claire - by the time I get to the UK October will be back in Dubai, I am not going til mid September and only for 10 days then :( I began a full time job in May and I am tied to my holiday entitlement these days!! I hope you are settled in back home again, I will give you a shout if I find myself that way. My DD so nearly went to the uni there but she chose Oxford Brookes in the end! Would be great to see you. My niece goes to ox b too!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 09:44
Sorry - manic too here and amost gave up looking to see if EW was back... I'm flying back to the UK on morning of August 25th for two glorious weeks, so would be wonderful to catch up, and meet Clairehdp too! Let's coordinate off line :) Sounds fab! Cp has my e mail address
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 02:19
Me three! live at The Villa. I might know someone -highly recommended will check and let you know... Xxx
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 02:16
Is worth popping into Le cadre they are superb and soooooooo reasonable - I only ever used them. Give them a call they should be ble to give you good idea on price
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 02:03
Is Cornish pixie coming over this way too? We are moving tomorrow but my kids were with nanny in guildford yesterday we are closel by- would love to be included if your doing a dubai/ UK meet up in guildford over the summer
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 01:58
Spice Island is ok. J W Marriott in Deira have a area where the kids can play. Spice Island doesn't. Spice island has a great area for little ones ask to it near to the kids area and your little on will have their face painted, be shown magic tricks, get to decorate their own cakes and watch a movie not been to jw so sorry CNT compare
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 10:10
Put a shout out for tally ho as she did this over a year ago so would know up to date info regarding renewal.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 10:09
Definitely the Arabian court it's just so lovely. One of my favourite afternoon teas after the burj al Arab! As the others say order 1 afternoon tea and an extra pot of tea. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy but do it soon before Ramadan - not sure if afternoon tea is served during Ramadan you might need to check
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 00:56
Why don't you try the Nail Spa in Ibn Battuta for your waxing - close to Greens, al Barsha - or at least closer than Dubai Mall........
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 00:51
Chocoa at the back of MOE - their cakes are to die for.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 00:50
London Zoo is great for little ones. do a picnic in Hyde Park (if the weather allows!). Take the train to Windsor and do a day at Legoland - he'd love that. He's so young that really lots of things to do in London are for older kids. Take him on a double decker bus ride and sit on the top deck (if it's not raining!!!!).
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 12:00
Sign up as a volunteer for VID Volunteer in Dubai and they will contact you with the various projects they need help with - often they do events on the weekend you can commit time every weekend or just on an adhoc basis but whatever you do will help someone somewhere......good luck - it's very rewarding! http://www.volunteerindubai.com/ <em>edited by Clairehdp on 18/07/2011</em>
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 10:49
Panadol Night is available there and that really helped me when I was struggling with sleep.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 10:48
Can you ask them to stockpile stuff and send it say once per month? I want to order a few little things - each item would be under the minimum weight (ie. paper stuff) and each time they deliver, they want 41dhms (or whatever it is). Thanks no you can't stockpile - can you imagine the size of the warehouse they would need if we all did that!!!!! Why don't you just order a few items from the same people and you stockpile in Dubai it would make it more cost effective for you.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 10:45
Time it for sunset arrive before so you get to see everything in the light - watch the sun set and then stay up there while it gets dark and al the lights come on - I loved it when we went - mind you they were filming MI 4 when we were there so it was pretty special. the fountains are much better on ground level but it's really interesting to watch them from so far up. book on line - it's easier!
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 00:32
You just have to have your sensible head on. We brought all the kids little books and disney dvds. There is also a list of drugs that are not allowed so please do make sure you check that - as Salsb says - anything with codeine in it needs to be binned as that's a real no no.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 19:47
I am moving to Dubai at the end of August. Can anyone tell me if therevare any restictions as to what i can ship. I'm thinking food (tins, flour, teabags etc). Feels such a waste to throw it all away. Thanks Your shipping company should give you a list of no nos. If they haven't then ask them for a list - there are lots of things you shouldn't bring with you - they will have a proper list and it's best to stick to it to avoid your shipment being held up.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 19:30
I'm sure Howdra do the Old town and their ladies provide the equipment and cleaning products.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 17 July 2011 - 19:29
Betti, make sure you only bring Paracetamol with you, and no pain killers containing Codeine, Im sure you are aware its illegal here. Thanks SalsB....i didn't know that was illegal. Ps, Dont bring any jumpers / cardies you wont need them!!!! Also go to the pound shop and stock up on all your toiletries, including razor blades, can be very expensive here. I would definitely bring your cardis - I wore cardigans alot - if you go to the cinema you can freeze and often the air con in the restaurants is cold - You don't need heavy knits but do bring some leightweight cardigans.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 11:53
Definitely go for a gas hob and an electric oven so....when your gas runs out - you are not stuck!!!!! When we arrived we were told the ovens don't come like that it's either gas or electric not a combination of the 2 but....I can tell you - you can get them and I'd definitely recommend doing it that way.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 10:38
I always buy Shout from Spinneys town centre
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 July 2011 - 10:37
thanks for all your lovely messages. We are here! My little girl within 3 minutes of take off started to vomit!!!!! I did not see the bar on the A380 and turned into nursemaid the entire flight!!!!!! She vomitted in the Emirates car home!!!!! She spend most of the night on the bathroom floor wrapped around the toilet and is still poorly this morning. So looks like we will be making the most of the national health service within hours of our arrival!!!!!! Hey ho - kids! The boy plugged himself in and was as happy as larry the whole flight and chatted about all the things he's going to do while his little sister groaned into a sick bag! So.....not the start to our new adventure that I had planned in my head but.....we are in our house, our cases are almost unpacked (they don't unpack themselves like the suitcases in Dubai used to do!!!!!) the first load of washing is on and it's drizzling outside so my boy can't wait to put on his coat and jump on his bike! Feels like we've never been away - how strange!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 07:10
Just a short post to say goodbye to each and every one of you. The past 5 years have been a fantastic experience for me and my family. We leave later this morning for our new adventure back in the Uk. I have made lifelong friends here and promise to keep in touch. To those in the Uk feeling nervous about your new adventure here in Dubai have a blast, make the most of your time here. Thanks to everyone who made me laugh, made me cry and made me wonder why!!!!!! Goodbye Dubai and thanks from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful 5 years. A380 here I come!!!!!!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 00:39
there's a JI ladies group on Yahoo - Jacqui organises monthly get togethers at the new comm club. do a search on yahoo groups and you should find it.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 11:44
Call the police and I'd see if there was a vet nearby that could help. People are so cruel
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 08:21
D.Gardens will become a International City part 2. It`s quite similar already, and with the rents going down even more it will become a proper ghetto. What a nasty thing to put when alot of posters on here live there.....think before you type!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 08:17
Thanks for all of your great input. The Green Community West is where my husband found the nice Villa. I looked at Dubizzle and was getting excited because the places seem so nice and big. However, he did a test drive to ASD and said it would be way too far of a drive everyday. He contacted a realtor who took him to one place in Meadows 9 and he loved it!! He said it is a little smaller than we wanted but it is in great condition and the owner seemed very nice and reasonable. I have read so many things on here that made me really nervous about our househunting. Rundown villas, bad landlords etc... So I guess we are pretty fortunate that he found a nice place so quickly. I'm super excited now and am counting down my days until I get to Dubai. Hope I run into some of you all at some point!! Make sure he really is the owner lots of people say they are but are not....... Good luck in your new adventure simpleas will be able to help you smooth your arrival I'm sure
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 16:54
Both of those hotels are superb and both have restaurant vouchers in the entertainer. Hilton charge for kids club though Le meridian does not!
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 16:46
I use Juan salon in indigo tower by the metro station in jlt and have always been happy
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 12:47
I'd get him to look at Arabian Ranches, Green community Motor City, Victory Heights, Layan Community, Lakes all lovely communities and between 15/20 mins to ASD.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 12:37
The most cost effective way to have a dress made is buy a sewing machine and make your own. :) Errrr some of us are dire seamstresses though! If I wore a dress I had made myself you would all be falling over with laughter! I'll stick to Clifford in Satwa thanks!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 12:24
Dubai Laundry cover most areas of Dubai and are excellent.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 12:19
You also need to make sure that your insurance policy covers other drivers - they could drive my car because the insurance stipulated extra drivers but not my husbands because his policy was for named drivers only so be careful.
Clairehdp
2958
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 09:23
We are in the villas in al Qasr they are stunning and great value for residents. A lovely way to end our time here in Dubai
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 09:54
Hae you changed your name on your passport too if not then I believe it's all linked to the name on your passport. If you have then just your passport should be enough although knowing this place and how the rules change I'd take a copy of your marriage certificate. I have never changed my name so I travel on my maiden name and we've been married 9 years!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 July 2011 - 07:50
I do that route too and it's an easy run.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 July 2011 - 07:47
We were buying but walked away because the prices were increasing on a daily basis and it was getting silly we didn't feel it could continue - thank goodness we did because now the properties we see looking at have dropped in price dramatically. We bought a place in Spain and are looking forward to going there this summer. We had never rented before but as people have said at least you can walk away when you want to or when you have to. So many people who bought here have big mortgages on properties that are now worth so much less than they paid and they are locked in as they can't sell. I don't think you have to own a property to make it a home. We treated our villa exactly as we would had we owned it .
 
 
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