clare1976 | ExpatWoman.com
 

clare1976

clare1976
339
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Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 11:29
maybe DH needs to ask firmly if they can save some space!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 11:24
i have been to oman lots of times and they stamp on the same page..... Usually if you have a multi entry visa they stamp all exit / entry on that page. They stamp each time on a new page - it's that that's causing the pages to get filled so quickly...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 11:23
Why not just get a second larger passport for work? takes too long to get renewed at the moment, and we need the passport for imminent vacation, and our future holiday plans require there to be several empty pages in the passport as an entry requirement... eeeek! Passport has 9 years left validity so it seems a bit crazy to spend hundreds of pounds on a renewal - I think they only let you carry 9 months over to the next one...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 16:13
Hello ladies, DH is the unfortunate owner of a very old and very neglected (in its previous life) Ford Explorer. It frequently needs small but tricky jobs doing to the bodywork (not engine or computer-related stuff, mercifully). We have previously taken it to Al tayer who undoubtedly do a good job but they take their time, charge the earth and are really bottom of the pile for customer service. Our car is so old we don't want it turned into a 2014 model by paying almost as much as the car's value to have things replaced. We have been using a small garage in Deira for some smaller jobs and sometimes they do ok but other times the car comes back without much having been done, still charging us, but problem not fixed, or sometimes even worse than when it went in. We have tried finding out from friends/colleagues where they take their car but they mostly have new ones and take them back tot he dealer. It needs to be somewhere on the Deira/Mirdif side of town as we live in Mirdif and DH works in Sharjah. Needs to be a garage used to dealing with old cars and finding low cost solutions because we aren't going to spend lots of money on something that can be repaired rather than replaced, or replaced with second hand parts rather than new (which the dealer won't do because they won't guarantee the work, which we don't really need either, as the car is beyond that). Where do people take their cars for things like oil leaks etc?
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 December 2013 - 15:20
as mentioned earlier, Carluccios do have gluten free pasta to substitute in certain pasta dishes on the menu. My Mum is Coeliac and ate there and thoroughly enjoyed it. She lives in rural Ireland so it was quite special to be able to go somewhere and order off a menu without having to shine a torchlight into the chef's eyes and quiz them ;-)
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 December 2013 - 15:15
I'm in Mirdif and I have used Spotless twice now. Also there is cleanteam.ae which I haven't treid but both companies are Dubai-wide and would therefore come to Mirdif.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 09:30
Spotless are v good :-) 048803111 used them several times and they do a very thorough job on inside and outside. Not necessarily cheapest option but there don't seem to be too many companies that will come *all the way out to Mirdif* lol
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 09:50
you do sound very stressed, and you have a lot of stuff to co-ordinate and people flying in from all over the place. I remember my own wedding, and although it was small and low budget, it was a shambles in terms of demanding family, people making hurtful and judgemental comments and wanting everything made easy for them, and people deciding to bring random boyfriends (uninvited) and random aunty nosing her way in with a video camera into everything, without checking first. So, my advice would be - take some deep breaths, get some good sleep and rest, maintain a sense of humour (if people can't get the basics right, like the hotel name, then it just makes them look ridiculous, not you) and please don't become so upset and angry that you can't enjoy your day. You've clearly gone to a lot of trouble but if you are looking for appreciation and for everyone to get it right, accept it now that it won't happen. Once you've reconciled yourself with the fact that some people WILL phone you on the day for directions, some people WILL be late and come dressed not quite how you had in mind, then everything will be a bonus! It's very frustrating dealing with relatives/friends who want everything on a plate but they are grown ups and can find their way to a hotel on time if they want to. If they can't, then there's nothing you can do - just get on with it. Let go and breathe! And very best wishes to you on your blessing day. I am sure it will be just lovely, and your friends and family WILL enjoy spending the day with you to celebrate.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 18:17
try searching airbnb.com and tick the 'entire place' box when searching.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 15:12
depends on age of the kids, they do have a kids room in the wharf, they also do the turtle feeding which my son enjoyed. he's old enough to come back to our table by himself but probably not so ideal for tinies. good live singer and a celebration atmosphere and views :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 15:05
not sure whereabouts you are but I use the tailors in Mirdif City centre near to centerpoint shop, the traditional mens attire shop - but they were happy to take up the hem of a dress of mine, as well as trousers for hemming and a zip replacing. I know these are minor jobs compared to what you need, but they did the minor jobs very professionally and the charge is extremely reasonable and fast.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 15:02
I know that Al Ghandi 042570007 service and repair whirlpool appliances. used them recently for my dishwasher and once we got over the hurdle of telling them what I needed, they booked an appointment to send a technician round, and he was knowledgeable and prompt.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 15:02
the Jumeirah Mosque also offers free tours at 10am every day except Friday, ladies permitted if they cover head and wear modest clothing that covers up etc, very interesting, and ends with a Q&A session. no need to book, you just have to arrive at 9.45am latest also guests enjoy travelling the metro which offers good views at the same time. a desert safari also goes down well with people new to the Middle East...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 16:41
Not sure if Sharjah is any use to you but Sharjah English School has a winter fayre on 22nd nov and people can book tables to sell their wares. SES Winter Fayre We are looking for a variety of stallholders for this event. Stalls are Dh 50 for parents of children at the school, Dh 100 for those who have home-run hobbies (i.e. non–corporate businesses) and Dh 150 for corporate businesses (i.e. have a trade license to operate in the UAE).
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 18:57
that's really good to hear - always love a bit of heartening news of good customer service. Sadly, lately I have been having a run of bad service. So much so that when I received really good customer service it took me by surprise and made me realise how infrequently that happens. So I phoned them to tell them. It was the nice people at North Tours - very nice people there. And today I spoke to someone very polite when phoning for an airport taxi. Maybe the pre-holiday festive mood is lightening things up a bit? ;-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 10:01
don't know about computer courses but for science there is Mad Science http://uae.madscience.org/
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2013 - 18:16
forgot to mention my Mum would like it if I could bring her a wealthy man to marry, but that is proving a tad more tricky than she may have imagined.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2013 - 18:15
Kaftans in nice designs, Emirati dates, incense sticks, Ayurveda soap, Dubai shopping bags from Carrefour (nice and flat to pack in suitcases), pashmina scarves, and for my brother in law Jack Jones t-shirts (cheaper here in the sale than in Uk, I think). But FROM the UK to here - well, I need a separate baggage allowance for that :-(
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 October 2013 - 18:08
Sharjah English School is having a Winter Fayre on 22nd Nov. Below is a quote from school news. SES Winter Fayre We are looking for a variety of stallholders for this event. Stalls are Dh 50 for parents of children at the school, Dh 100 for those who have home-run hobbies (i.e. non–corporate businesses) and Dh 150 for corporate businesses (i.e. have a trade license to operate in the UAE).
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 18:17
Candelite do made to order cakes and cup cakes, I picked up the leaflet last time I was there. Their cakes are called Candy Cakes. they do delivery as well. call 04 3631602.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 18:13
a dry oil spray like Avon's skin so soft would bring the sticky residue off quite easily. not so easy to get hold of here, sadly, but someone you know might have some stashed away...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 18:10
ACE hardware would stock a lot of the household and safety items you are looking for. Two in Dubai - large one at festival city opposite festival centre, the other on SZR.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 16:19
you'd get a very large villa with garden etc in Mirdif... Our huge 3-bed with shared pool and maid's room is 95k... Most 3-beds are between 100-120,000 at the moment, having just looked around before re-signing with current landlord. So a 4-bed seems achievable with some breathing space for increases/DEWA and if your employer pays you the money direct then you could even save a little, or put the difference towards running costs. Try doing a search on Dubizzle for that and see what you get... have been shown round several recently, in August, for 3-beds at least. I don't use Dubizzle - those advertised have usually long gone. Found an agent to show us around everything they had on their books. Decided to stay at 95k in a 3-bed with pool, garden, maids room and parking for two cars. 4 cheques. Haven't looked for 4-beds - was just passing on my own recent experience. Friends of ours just moved into a very large, new 3-bed with pool in Mirdif for 110k and it's extremely nice. Just heard on the grapevine of a 6-bed with 2 maids rooms for 165k which a friend of a friend has been to view.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 13:12
ahh, maybe they have changed the rules at UAQ, we haven't been there since this time last year, but we weren't members then, and we paid the non-members fee (members are free) and took our own camping stuff. Regardless, they will be very busy over Eid. We'll go the weekend prior to Eid and go early :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 12:01
http://www.timeoutdubai.com/kids/features/27146-a-to-z-of-camping-with-kids article about UAE camping with kids - might help! we camp at Um Al Quwain marine Club where there are facilities and pool/playpark and a café. never camped in the desert except for Bedouin Oasis and also Dreamland waterpark overnight, both of which have tents etc already set up for you.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 15:38
you'd get a very large villa with garden etc in Mirdif... Our huge 3-bed with shared pool and maid's room is 95k... Most 3-beds are between 100-120,000 at the moment, having just looked around before re-signing with current landlord. So a 4-bed seems achievable with some breathing space for increases/DEWA and if your employer pays you the money direct then you could even save a little, or put the difference towards running costs.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 15:32
do you mean a wifi signal repeater? You can buy these small devices in electronics shops and Carrefour/Hyperpanda etc, usually 200-300 dhs, and you follow simple instructions to pair it with your wifi router, then plug it into a socket in the area of your house/apartment where the signal is weak. We have two of them upstairs and the extra strength now means our wifi works in all the bedrooms without having to dangle out of the window or door to pick up the wifi signal on the phone...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 15:25
Hi, it sounds like a croup type of cough, which is a spasm in the larynx and isn't allergy-related. It would be worse at night due to lying down. It would be hard to diagnose and is often diagnosed after ruling everything else out, and there isn't much that can really be done, and it will go eventually. That's if it is croup, it may not be - but it sounds like there hasn't been much success so far. I really feel for you - lack of sleep is very draining and of course you want your LO to be better. Maybe a repeat visit to your GP could be in order if you're not seeing much improvement.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 September 2013 - 18:39
Hi, yes that was certainly the case when we last went in May for a dhow cruise followed by a hotel stay. The rules are relatively new. Be prepared, if you are going over a weekend, to experience very long (hours) queue at the border in Dibba while they search every car and mini bus/tour bus and inspect every passport. When we went, we had a dhow cruise booked, but the border pass was organised in advance by the hotel we stayed at. Sadly, they didn't get the pass to the border crossing in time and when we eventually got to our turn in the very long queue the pass was not there and they made us go back and join the back of the queue. Meanwhile we phoned the hotel, gave them 9 barrels down the phone and someone on a bike cycled down to the border crossing with the pass, and then the chap kindly waved us forward and we were at last able to go through - but we missed our boat and the rest is a long story. This may have calmed down now and got more organised since then, and we did go on a weekend, but the chaos was terrible and several tourists in front of us gave up and turned around and drove away. We didn't blame them, we queued for ages with an impatient 6 year old in the car. organise everything in advance and make doubley sure everything is in place before you go.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 19:15
a what ?? A premarital check up, I assume you can read? I do think it's a little strong to say that on a forum in which you have just asked for advice/information. Maybe someone can help if you could kindly extrapolate rather than assume everyone knows what you mean. I don't know either.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 07:50
we rented furniture from Indigo when we first moved into our apartment and while we waited for our container to arrive. They have a showroom on SZR but we arranged it all on the phone and online. Deepak Ramdas Corporate Sales Indigo Living LLC Office 120, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road P.O. Box 282425, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 339 7705 F: +971 4 339 7704 M: +971 50 3065518 http://www.indigo-living.com
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 14:25
have a wonderful time AD! Enjoy! The staff will look after you all :-) Magic Show sounds good!
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 16 September 2013 - 13:34
Hi! It was excellent - we really enjoyed it all. The chef, waiter, waitress and manager all got stuck in helping out. Lots of pizza fun. Only slight hitch was the music for pass the parcel - the music is operated from a system inside the office so we couldn't have it on and off for the parcel unwrapping, so DH had to improvise and clap for the children to know when to stop passing, but then the call to prayer happened and the music had to be turned off anyway, so maybe very bad timing on our part! Food excellent, very good value, kids had a lot of fun. It's a small restaurant there at Bin Sougat so it got a little busy when ordinary customers started arriving and we got some especially filthy looks for taking up the space, but there were 9 kiddies and 5 adults, and the kids were all very well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Is it your turn soon, AD? :-)
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 10:19
Maybe some other, braver, neighbor is having chicken soup? threatened it with turning it into a Shawarma the other day - maybe it heard me? Paxo had no effect - obviously not an English-speaking rooster...
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 10:05
this is getting weirder... in preparation for inspector visit I wanted to take a photo and video the rooster making a noise, and from my balcony I can see the coop - but he has GONE! It's quiet - no sign of him.... Going to look really silly when the inspector comes (again) and says there is no rooster. Wondering if this is what happened the other day when he supposedly came? Maybe he flies in for the night, causes havoc and then flaps off?!
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:36
when i read the title i wondered if you lived next door to me!! i am hounded by roosters, cockrels and peacocks! a living nightmare! its like living on a farm! i feel your pain (i'm also in mirdif, btw) that sounds like quite a menagerie. How do you cope??? There are about 5 hens and 1 rooster here and it's really stressing me out. I have a visitor at the moment who just got off a plane early this morning from NZ and wants to sleep! I'd be amazed if she gets any rest :-(
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:32
compound management office have done nothing - not at all bothered :-( municipality say they came and found no cockerel and no noise. they also had it down as a smell complaint, incorrectly. Re-opened investigation with a new inspector and see what happens now. deep breaths!! chucking a bucket of water over him seems to shut him up temporarily but after he has shaken off the water he starts his infernal racket all over again...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:23
is it the glasses or everything that comes out with a film covering it? Occasionally it's good to take the spinning arms off and run water through them as stuff can get stuck and prevent proper rinsing. You've filled up with rinse aid and salt, so I can't think there's much you haven't already done. I know that glasses don't withstand the dishwasher for very long before they need replacing because of gradual depreciation, so now only buy cheap and do my nicer drinking glasses by hand :-( Using a good quality dishwasher tablet can maybe delay things a bit. You can buy dishwasher cleaning rinses - run the packet in an empty dishwasher on a nice hot cycle if you think it's not performing as well as it should...
clare1976
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:16
Mirdif, in a compound of 6 villas (we are the middle of a terrace of 3, they are on the end, but the coop is next to our adjoining wall). It would be so easy to go in and sort this ourselves with drastic action (!) but don't want to end up in the soup myself - suspect I wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 16:14
There is a Mirdif Mums group, they have a page on FB, quite active - mostly for mums with littlies
clare1976
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 16:01
there is also a group called Mirdif Mums who meet weekly and arrange events and get togethers. They have a FB page. Nice social group who would all live locally with kiddies of varying ages but on the younger side.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 15:59
Nice indoor play centre just opened in Wafi Mall, near M&S - not the Encounter Zone - it's 45 dhs for two hours, everything new, a lot of variety for different ages, and a bouncy castle, trampolines, slides and soft play climbing/ball pit. There is a small area with tables and chairs at the gate/entrance to the play area for parents/minders. We were there in Ramadan but I think now you'd find refreshments, or bring a Starbucks with you!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 15:56
none in Mirdif yet - sky looks ominous though...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 August 2013 - 10:00
anyone??
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 10:32
2 loads of laundry dry on the line in approx. 25 mins! you can do your Carrefour shopping without the usual crowds (having found a handy parking space without having to endure a Mexican standoff in the multi-storey) and the queue at the till is shorter my lawn is a not-very-fetching shade of brown I know the tv schedule for the Disney Junior channel already... you know exactly how many days there are until school starts again (59 and counting) lol
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 08:23
Matalan in MCC have a few mattress toppers - around the 250-300dhs mark. Also Homes R Us in Arabian Center
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 09:37
On the plane I am sure you could ask for some milk - just take your child's own cup? they will be used to such requests... you are allowed to take drinks and food for infants on the plane for the journey - they may just ask you to taste it when you go through the security. Make sure your child has water to drink before boarding, and once the flight is underway I am sure you will be able to ask for assistance.
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 09:17
have you looked at www.peopleperhour.com ? for one-off jobs or projects - creative, technical, writing, graphics, design, the whole lot. search according to the job you have and your budget.
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 08:09
Evans in MCC is plus sizes only, and Bhs & Monsoon go up to a 20. Monsoon has a sale on at the moment :-)
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 08:07
Debenhams?
 
 
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