Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 07:58
Just showed DD a picture of William and Kate an she was very disappointed that he wasn't wearing a crown! She siad when she is a princess she is going to wear a crown all the time My little boy told me that he hoped William loved Kate because his dad was Henry the eighth and when he got bored with his wife he chopped off their heads!!!!!! Need more work on the kings and queens of England me thinks!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 07:55
Yep we are going to a party this afternoon. Also got a tiara (using one of dd's!) and a red white and blue outfit lol Heading to T&Ts this morning to get my toes painted red white and blue too (sad I know!). Just feel a bit homesick and feel like we are mising out a bit but as you said, once I have a few pimms I'm sure it will all be good! Yay! That's the spirit! Love the red White and blue toes!!!!!! Enjoy every minute!
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 07:50
St lucia easy for the Uk guys and the s guys but you'd have to do some travelling but it's fab at Xmas there or any of the Caribbean islands.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 07:12
Are you not doing something here? I think people are making more effort here than they would at home. I've got my tiara ready and can't wait to go to the wedding party with our big group. The kids are excited too a little bit of history today. We are missing a street party where our house is in the Uk but they've promised to send pictures and we will send them our pics too. Get those cucumber sandwiches made, pour that jug of Pimms and make your home in Dubai a little corner of Britain and I'm sure you'll be ok!!! Especially if you have all the Pimms!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 06:53
Friends stayed there last week I'll check for you and let you know. If they have a lounge it usually means that they have transport. Why don't you contact the hotel and ask - get a price and compare. Our friends had a superb time there by the way.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 06:50
Thank you Claire. Really appreciate that. It does not say anything about non-renewable. I am SO relieved. And I am quite certain that this is the classic wanting us out so he can hike the rent and nothing to do with his daughter. However, much as I cringe at the thought, still may go through the ordeal of moving just to get away from the slime-ball but at least, under these circumstances, we can insist on a couple of extra months so the timing isn't quite so bad for us. Will have to talk it over with DH. But again, thank you. Thank you to everyone who gave me advice. Good luck with your situation emlsnre. I would say if you like the place you have every right to stay same deal as before. Be warned you could get an even slimier landlord than the one you have now.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 21:36
Hi Claire, yes we have done just that. Emailed him again explaining that he had not fully understood the 20% business, cc'd the RERA contact so he can see that we are not making it up. So just waiting for the his next move now, hopefully that should put it to bed. Well done! Fingers crossed for you - it should be fine. If not.....file the case - when you have a strong case it's a fascinating part of Dubai that not many see.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 21:32
Our lease was from 1 April 10 to 31 March 11. He was suppose to provide 2 months notice under the agreement but he didn't provide notice until 28 February so technically 28 days after he was meant to. We emailed him to let him know that we were keen to stay and wanted to know when he wanted to meet to get new cheques (we paid 2 cheques for the year). He then informed us that his wife and kids have moved over from Egypt and will now occupy the villa. To be honest, I did see a family viewing our villa from the outside several times but kind of from afar. I now understand that it was them. Our rent was paid until 1 April and now we have until 31 May to vacate. I dont know but now I feel weird staying here knowing we're not wanted..hehe If it's going to cost you a lot of money - don't feel weird at all...... often they've instructed people and people view from the outside - might just be another family interested.....you do have rights..... if you've paid your rent.... sounds like he's doing an April fools...... Seriously some of these Landlords try everything.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 21:29
What is FS2, please? In Brit curriculum school it's Reception - age 4-5 - Infants in old money!
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 21:02
Thanks M_King but thats kind of what happened. He failed to give us adequate notice and so my dh asked him to give us 2 months extra which is end of May - he hasn't asked for rent either which is very nice! I am frustrated b/c when he gave us notice, prices were cheaper but no landlord wanted to commit for two months away and I kept reassuring myself that prices would drop further but now prices have actually gone up right as we have to move! lol Why have you not paid the rent...... he's probably doing this on purpose - he knows that he can't get you out - you have every right to stay there for up to 3 years. He needs to give you 12 months notice so you get to stay there for 2 years. If you hve extended and not paid rent for the extra months he may well have a case to get you out......very clever......If it was me I would pay it sooner rather than later.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:59
We've been in our place for a year as well. It just sucks b/c prices are back about 40K more for same properties so moving into the same not a smart option! edited by xmasbaby on 28/04/2011 do not move out - he has to give you 12 months notice. You have every right to stay at the same rent and the same number of cheques - he's trying it on.......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 20:53
M king - all/the majority of leases are for one year but they are all renewable leases UNLESS it categorically says somewhere in the lease that it is NON RENEWABLE......if NON RENEWABLE is not in there then he is welcome to have his house back for his daughter but next year - not this year. emlsnre - it's frustrating isn't it but hold your ground - there's no way he can get another 20%......if he doesn't back down file a case - you have a water tight case - and when you win (which you are bound to) he will end up having to pay the costs so he'll end up with less rent for the 2nd year. this is exactly what happened to us and we won our case - Our LL could not believe that he had to pay...... Perhaps your next plan of attack should be to let him know you have had advice - when he comes back again (which he will....) then send the note advising that you will be filing a case wth the rent committee - at that point....he might back down - if not - file the case and take him to the rent committee..... <em>edited by Clairehdp on 28/04/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 15:30
Mosque alarm clock.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:49
I went to N Style once and once was too many times!!!! Never again...... worst pedicure ever.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:46
here's how my DS's (5 y.o.) in KG-2 6:45 - wakeup, tooth brush, shower etc 7:00 - get ready for school and have breakfast (usually some fruit like banana, strawberries or apple) 7:45 - school starts 12:45 - pick up from school 1:00 - lunch --- usually pasta or some kind of roll or sandwich 3:00 - afternoon nap ... i let him sleep 2 or 3 hours 5:00 - TV, play, home practice for reading / writing, park etc 7:30 - dinner 9:30 or even 10 at times - bedtime Is he OK at getting up at 0645 if he doesn't go to bed until 10. My 2 would be comatose! I stopped the big sleeps in the afternoons so that my 2 would go to bed by 8 at the very latest and then I get to have time with my husband or - if he's away (which he is often) then I get to have the girls around. I know everyone is different and I'm certainly not having a go at all - I'm just really interested as I see so many young children here running around really late at night on a school night and I just don't get it..... I value my time in the evening in the quiet with a lovely drink or a book knowing that my 2 are tucked up in bed ready for their school day in the morning.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:26
A housekeeper and maid are two completely different jobs in my opinion. A housekeeper manages a household whereas a maid can only clean. I agree - a housekeeper is really for someone who runs a whole household with multiple staff - like a huge stately home in the UK. My housemaid refers to herself as a maid and she can do a whole lot more than clean - she's a domestic goddess!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:13
Housemaid is nicer! although it's heaps better than Domestic worker or servant which is what is in the contract from immigration - whenever I have been in to renew our housemaid's visa I cringe when the immigration people refer to her as my servant.......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:10
Use the search button - if you put in fly* screens you will find loads of recommendations..... here's one for you: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=138530
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 19:08
Definitely a big fan of lillies - they make the whole house smell divine. I would also highly recommend the La Vela candles - they are made in Dubai and the lady who makes them has added some pretty amazing fragrances check them out - they are totally divine..... https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Vela-Candles/118908474822422#!/pages/La-Vela-Candles/118908474822422?sk=info
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 06:57
If you are going to put them in bunk beds I would also invest in a couple of the large squidy mats for the floor - if they fall out it's not funny on these hard tiled/marble floors. Just a thought - rather than going out and going to that expense - my 2 absolutely love sleeping on blow up beds when they go to friends houses and sleep in their sleeping bags. There are some really cute kids sleeping bags in Decathlon at Mirdif City Centre and they have excellent blow up beds for camping too - might be exciting and far safer than bunkbeds for little ones! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 27/04/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 06:52
check out the hotels as they should now be doing their summer rates now that the heat is kicking in! 2 of my favourites are Le Meridien Al Aqah and the Hilton Resort and Spa in Ras Al Khaimah - be careful there are 2 hiltons - it's the resort and spa one - not the other one!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 06:45
I also do that Rossi - it's great isn't it! I also bake a couple of camemberts in the oven and they are great to dip into. I brush some of the large arabic breads with olive oil and sprinkle garlic/herbs/zatar and pop in the oven for a few minutes and they come out all crispy - great for dips. I also put a couple of cloves of garlic, an inch of root ginger and big handful of fresh coriander and one or 2 birds eye chillies in a blender with a large pot of natural yoghurt - whizz it up and it's a superb healthy marinade for thinly sliced chicken breast. The chicken is tender and fragrant and - depending on how many chillies can have a great heat kick too. Big bowl of Ainsley Harriot's moroccan style cous cous is always a big hit too.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 06:37
use the search button there are loads of recommendations on here with numbers. like this http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=140573 <em>edited by Clairehdp on 27/04/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 19:35
er aren't babies more likely to play and pull at their ears than an older child? Especially is they're hoops? Would people even put babies in hoops - surely that's really dangerous - better to be little studs that they can't get their fingers caught in. I remember desperately wanting my ears to be pierced and my Dad kept on saying if you were supposed to have holes in your ears you would have been born with holes in your ears - I did eventually get them pierced much to his horror!!!!! <em>edited by Clairehdp on 26/04/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 19:30
Yeah I agree with Custard Apple - can you believe how miffed you'd be if you paid for afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab and all you got was a cup of tea!!!!!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 18:47
Take a look at this - it should help you. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/ChoosingASchool/DG_10038421
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 18:45
I love what is really a CAKE Party being disguised in the name of a Tea Party.... edited by Sugarbeach on 26/04/2011 What's your point?! :) ..that the TEA bit seems co-incidental.:) Tea is very co-incidental - it should be champagne or Pimms!!!!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 18:33
OOoh that's good to hear - I also saw that the Nail Spa is opening right next to Spinneys - yipee!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 18:30
How about egg and cress sandwiches too - I'm sure my grandma used to serve those. Definitely a lemon drizzle cake (Nigella does an easy one - it's one of only 2 cakes I can make successfully!) How about little bowls of strawberries and cream - or Eton Mess (merinque, strawberries and cream). Mini victoria sponges are always popular. there's a woman here who hires out english tea sets for tea parties.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:47
I think there is a branch of Al Worood School in Dubai Investment Park, close to the Green Community. Don't know anything about it though. Oh yes - you are right - it's by the Nuran apartments. Sorry but I don't know anyone with kids there - it's been open a couple of years but have never heard anything about it - good or bad.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:37
I thought al Worwood was in Abu Dhabi. I've not heard of a school with that name here in Dubai. If you are looking for british curriculum the closest schools to the marina would be: Jebel Ali Primary Wellington Jumeirah Primary School Star International Safa School Regent International As CP says - if you are looking for 3 places for September you will need to get on the phones and start ringing around. I would also get your husband to drive around and check out the schools as he is already here.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 12:25
I've been going to Juans for 5 years now and used to go to him too when he was in the Palm Hotel! I have always been happy with my hair. He usually offers packages that include cut, colour, mani and pedi and it's a great deal. when I come out of there I feel a million dollars. Need to go back for a new cut soon and think I will go back to highlights too - I split between him doing my colour and I also do it myself (although he's not impressed with my home done colour!!!!!). He's stocking a new colour range - can't remember which one but he was telling me about it when I was last in there. The girl that does waxing is good and they do very good manicures and pedicures in there too.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 09:12
Dr. Nasir is excellent, I agree but I just called his office a few days ago and he is still away on medical leave. They took my number and said they would call when he returns. Oh dear - poor man it's been quite a while now I hope he's making a good recovery. If you call Dermacare they are really helpful in there they might be able to recommend someone in Dr Nasir's absence.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 05:28
I thought that under 2s have to be on your lap for take off and landing with the extension seat belt so the car seat is only for a more comfortable seat. I have never travelled with a car seat with my kids as they were happy to be in the seat. I would make a little camp/nest for them with pillows and blankets and strap them in. As soon as they fell asleep I would tighten the belts. The maci cosi xp is pretty heavy to cart around. Is it so that you have a car seat the other end? If so might it be easier to hire one when you get there?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 05:19
Thinking of you. Safe journey you are doing the right thing. Put the Dubai take out restaurants on red alert!!! Enjoy every moment with you dad and your family back home xx
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 05:13
I agree with miss pickle 20 mins max 30 and the traffic is usually free flowing on that route.
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 20:50
Said on Studio One tonight that the Polo Club is sold out. Its been sold out for a while but they are selling tickets to the after wedding party
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 19:51
Our friends did this from Abu Dhabi and it was so good that they insisted that I take them to the Dubai office for their return trip rather than drive them to AD airport. We drove to the office on the SZR and their bags were taken straight away from my car - they were able to check in there and board the coach - they said it was a superb service.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 19:48
another big fan of Dr Nasir but he's been very ill so not sure if he's back at work - call Dermacare and ask. he's a superb dermatologist.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 19:40
I have spent years trying to do yorkshire puddings even had my yorkshire friends try to get me to make them and although they taste OK they look awful. I have recently become the queen of yorkies though! I use the Nigella Lawson recipe from her Feast cookbook and produce the most amazing yorkshire puddings time after time! In fact, we've all just had a big roast dinner and polished off a tray of them this evening. the secret to the success I think is its 4 eggs and you whisk them with the milk and then add in the flour - very different to the way my Mum does hers but I'm telling you - mine amaze me every time!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 18:25
I'd take her to City Hospital - they are lovely there with little ones.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 18:24
Clairehdp replied : [i'> LizziGrace wrote: Polo Club event is offering sandwiches and cakes and drinks for (correct me if I am wrong) 450dhs. Bit steep we thought for the menu. No that's not correct. It's an all you can eat buffet brunch for that price inc drinks from 12 til 3 and then onto watch the polo and entry into the after wedding party in the evening (drinks and bbq are cash payment). I thought that was pretty OK for 450. [/i'> and chicken nuggets for your maid!!! LOL Mine's not coming - it's her day off!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 17:04
Polo Club event is offering sandwiches and cakes and drinks for (correct me if I am wrong) 450dhs. Bit steep we thought for the menu. No that's not correct. It's an all you can eat buffet brunch for that price inc drinks from 12 til 3 and then onto watch the polo and entry into the after wedding party in the evening (drinks and bbq are cash payment). I thought that was pretty OK for 450.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 13:36
I got mine in spinneys. they work really well for mini yorkies!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 12:49
I agree with Cattrax - More for breakfast.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 12:41
These guys are FANTASTIC! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=143175
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 12:38
first year renewals should be at no increase - the rent cap or the table of rents from RERA are what you refer to for further rent renewals.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 12:24
Would either of you like to dust off the rusty pencils and use it again for one day? Why?????? what do you have up your sleeve?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 11:49
Why don't you get a couple of companies in to quote you - they don't charge you to come in and do a quote but at least then you will have a real costing to work with.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 11:47
yes - I can but don't really use it much anymore.....
 
 
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