comp99 | ExpatWoman.com
 

comp99

comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2015 - 18:59
close friends moved to New Zealand last year after 7+ years in Dubai and they loaded all their stuff in a container and moved there. they did have to change few plugs here and there but are happy with their decision as they did not have to buy anything to start with. on the other hand, another friend moved to Australia (SA) and started setting up their place from scratch. they landed job less also and after 2 years there , they are still buying stuff for their place.. slow and steady. a container might seem costly at the moment but if you have good condition stuff , why not take them? when you land job less in a new country setting up from scratch is a long process , you have other costs to take care of.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2015 - 18:34
Agree with you NewbieD re extra vaccinations, and according to our pediatrician, if the booster has already been administered, you don't need to do the school one. Apparently, the Ministry launches these campaigns when there are increased cases of measles. DS hasn't had his booster yet but she says that she will bring it forward because of the campaign to as a protective measure. She also said that he could either have the booster at their clinic or do the free one in school (but not both!). So as far as I understand, it's still first + booster. The only thing I'm not sure about is that the measles one is given together with mumps and rubella (MMR) at one year. So if they get only the measles booster at school during this campaign, they're still missing the mumps and rubella booster and will need that later (4-6 years usually), or will they actually get the MMR as part of the campaign? Ministry is giving MMR vaccine in the measles campaign and yes you are right they are aiming at completing the booster MMR shots of all children who have had only one so far and not insisting on a 3rd shot (although the wording in consent form does sound like that). It can be done at your own clinic (where you pay) or at ministry clinic for free.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2015 - 11:40
A basic hanging shower caddy is available at ikea. Alternatively you can check home center and Carrefour, you'll surely find something.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2015 - 15:18
we've used DASA number of times without any issues but they are not cheap. highly recommended. they unpack the big furniture and set it up but they did not unpack the kitchen and clothes. also no plumbing and curtains hanging.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2015 - 15:12
its availabe in carrefour MOE, near car accessories section.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2015 - 15:11
ikea , home center have reasonable collection or high end options like crate and barrel , debenhams, marina etc. loads of options in MOE.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2015 - 15:05
Dhow cruise would be fine .. just keep an eye on them on the deck. We have always avoided the desert safari as apart from motion sickness one of our friend's kid got hurt due to the jerks during dune bashing. cant remember if he was buckled up or not. they are too young to enjoy it anyways, it might be a frightening experience for them.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2015 - 16:22
Hi, I am 16 weeks pregnant with my first baby & currently seeing doctor Yamini at Al Zahra hospital as I am based out of Tecom & that is really close & convenient. I have health insurance that covers me upto AED 20000 for normal delivery & upto AED 35000 for C section. My queries are- 1. Is my insurance sufficient to cover the costs at Al Zahra or Welcare Garhoud (I have an appointment there with Dr. Janaki in 2 weeks)? 2. Is it better to go to government hospitals? Lot of of people on the forum have referred Latifa Hospital. I am quite clear on the registration process, the transfer at the later stage to the hospital & the downside of not being attached to one doctor - all thanks to expatwoman posts. Is it worth it? 3. Even with insurance, do I need to buy the ante natal & delivery packages that the clinics (private & government) offer? 4. Any other tips from moms who delivered in Dubai will be most helpful. Thanks! If you are comfortable with your current doctor , have a chat with her about your insurance limitation and see if she is willing to work with you in keeping cost down by only doing the tests absolutely necessary. A colleague was in a similar dilemma with 20k maternity limit. Her doctor kept a check on things and she delivered at city hospital within her maternity limit. Get full details from the hospital about all test and number of consultation plus delivery charges for normal and c section. Do your maths. If you are covered with insurance .. package is not useful for you. After delivery you would need to pay for all things related to new born (which you can reimburse depending on your compant policy). So should have some back up cash for that at time of delivery. Hope that helps.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 October 2015 - 12:12
hello ladies i need a good pediatrician for my premature baby girl. she is now 3 months . any suggestions? Dr Sparsh Pasi at Mediclinic @ Knowledge Village.I cannot recomend her enough. I second Dr sparsh as well. We have been seeing her for many year now.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2015 - 08:43
Can I buy a ticket for someone else using my miles? The giftee is not a Skywards member. Yes you can. The other person does not need to be a skywards member.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2015 - 21:47
Hello, I'm currently consulting Dr Amala in Prime Medical and have learnt that I'm 5 weeks pregnant and am also diagnosed with PCO. As per the doc, I'm to start in weekly injections and meds to support the pregnancy thru but I would like to take a second opinion... Could someone pls guide me on reviews on Dr Amala and of any other good gyn I could refer to preferably in medcare or mediclinic ? I was previously seeing Dr Elsa for my 1st child but I hear she has left City Hospital. Would appreciate some advise here... ? i have seen Dr Amala few times for regular pap smear and she was good. A friend has delivered (she was a bit high risk) with Dr Luthra at medcare and was very happy about how it went. just to put your mind at rest, progesterone injections (if those are the ones you are talking about) is nothing unusual for a threatened pregnancy during the first trimester. Do go for a second opinion but don't be scared of them.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2015 - 14:14
Hi, usually they charge 2% buyer commission and 2% seller commission. I am working for the German Real Estate Company Engel & Voelkers. specialized also in selling/buying properties. So if you need any help please contact me. I have not heard of seller commission before. Is this something new? Last time we sold a property., buyer paid the agent fee. 'Aqoud' (registration with land department) is also responsibility of buyer.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2015 - 07:48
We buy from sharaf dg as well and occasionally from Carrefour. Both have their range available online so you can compare prices and features.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 September 2015 - 07:46
They have a nice coach at Winchester school as well who offers evening and weekend sessions. Classes are never over subscribed. Overall a good experience with them.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2015 - 18:34
How about three month tourist visa?
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2015 - 18:32
Anyone knows who offer after school football at Jebel ali primary school? I can't seem to find the information online. Please share the contact.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2015 - 18:04
We are also quite happy with dugym. Coaches are professional and the manager is very good and attentive to any concerns.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 September 2015 - 10:47
Hi ladies, Can anyone recommend a good book for a mum to be, something simple and straight forward? TIA! I really like the "what to expect" series. For a first time mom to be "what to expect when you are expecting" is quite straight forward. They also have "what to expect the first year " and another one for toddler years. All of them are well written.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 September 2015 - 07:42
we went on a full day dhow trip few years back in september.. something like 10 am to 5 in evening. i think my LO was around 2 at that time. we were four families so it was just us in the entire dhow.. which was more fun. first half of trip was good with snorkelling and dolphin watching followed by lunch but in the second half we were quite hot and exhausted. I would definitely recommend a half day trip in September as it is still quite hot and can be very humid. Don't remember who we booked . but since we were staying over night at golden tulip hotel..next morning we woke up and booked a trip from the nearest tours agent and it was good.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 21:16
i know one in Jumeirah, on beach road near sunset mall. Roland Ceyte in seven dental center.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 21:12
Babyshop have some. (sale is ending this weekend) if you have an ikea bed..they have their own bed rails.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 11:26
The UK is very diverse. I think people will have mixed experiences resettling depending upon: Location Commuting time Work/career Education availability Housing Expenses Proximity to friends and family/community Facilities/social life There are some wonderful places in the UK and some frankly crummy ones. So I think its varies from individual to individual. I don't think you can compare home to Dubai realistically as Dubai is a one-off. However, going back to UK can provide a lot of experiences that you just cant have here in Dubai and is arguably more of a "real" life. I will make a move in another 3 years as feel the time is counting down in Dubai. Expenses are becoming too high and I am not keen on my DD growing up a teenager is this environment. Its not bad but it is not a good preparation for real life! Just my thoughts.... how is this environment not good for older kids? As I have some other friends also who share this sentiment and I cant understand it as my kids are still young.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2015 - 08:07
check out volunteer in uae. they do all sorts of volunteer work all over UAE. check their website to get an idea. www.volunteerinuae.com I would recoomend not. They use to be good few years ago. Has anything changed ?
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2015 - 21:03
check out volunteer in uae. they do all sorts of volunteer work all over UAE. check their website to get an idea. www.volunteerinuae.com
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2015 - 11:11
Old library (DUCTAC - MOE) have story telling sessions for pre schoolers/toddlers. They use to do it every Sunday at 11 am. Don't know if the day is still same. Call them up to confirm.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 22:09
Hi comp99, my husband has had sinus surgery with Dr Baghat. He did try non invasive procedures but in the end surgery was necessary, a new technique with a balloon, sorry cant remember the technical terms. My children and I have all been treated for ear problems with him. He is very experienced and has a lovely bedside manner, a very gentle man. I was in extreme pain with an ear problem and he saw me the same day. As I said before, I would highly recommend. thank you .. that does put my mind at rest as there are too many surgery-happy doctors here. p.s. the balloon procedure is called balloon sinuplasty. :) perfect for someone with complains of repeat sinusitis not responding to antibiotics/steroids.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 21:41
Dr Baghat is wonderful. Has treated my husband and myself and our children over the years. Cant praise him enough. hi cherry ripe...do you or anyone you know have experience of nasal or/and throat surgery with Dr Bhagat? please share your experience.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 21:40
We loved Dr John McEwan at Sohar Clinic when my husband needed surgery. At that time he did minor procedures at Dubai London and larger surgeries at MediClinic City Hospital. if you don't mind my asking, what kind of surgery was it? was Dr McEwan very thorough in investigations and tried all other treatments before resorting to surgery?
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2015 - 21:35
would be watching this thread as my DH has also been recommended nose and throat surgery due to sleep apnoea. we have seen both Dr Marc mueller and Dr Bhagat.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2015 - 19:02
For labeling uniform I bought iron on tags from zaks last year which stayed on for the whole year (and were very difficult to take off when I needed to discard the uniform). They print your name and class there and then on a white iron on tag which you can apply easily at home with a dry iron. They were 5 tags for 35 I think. For lunch boxes I use the stuck on you labels..but not the personalized one..as their packages are quite expensive and I only need for lunch boxes and bottles. So I buy these individual packs. http://www.mumzworld.com/kids-en/back-to-school/stickers-labels-stamps You would need a labeled vest and underwear only for the days when they need to change for splash pool/swim or PE. That's when things go missing. So just having one or two of these labelled would be enough.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 18:36
a TNT is a Thursday Night Thread. In days of yore, a Thursday night usually had a TNT where there was a [strike'>cat-fight[/strike'> disagreement between EW'ers about something or the other, or somebody's maid had done something dreadful, etc etc. It was all very exciting and people used to stay in instead of going out just to watch the drama unfold. There are even tales of families going without dinner as EWers couldn't bear to leave their screens. However now it is quite dull. If you have any naughty maids or something we can all fight about please post it asap. The ideal time for a TNT posting is around 4pm to let the fireworks build up. thanks for the explanation. i have been scratching my head for days, trying up all possible combinations. lol
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 17:26
TNT ? :confused:
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 15:12
Thanks, will do! Looks like there's a Jashanmal in Mirdiff too so that would be extra great. It's tragic how difficult this book is to find when it has such an amazing message for adults as well as kids. I can't read it to my kids without crying.. it's the perfect book for anyone who has found herself following a very different path than the one she expected. No ideas about the brown socks? :( I have never read that book. Would have a look next time I go to library. No clue about socks..but I just saw an advertisement of a shop named "Socks" selling Socks ONLY, for men,ladies and kids, in outlet mall. May be worth giving them a call to check?
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 10:20
You can try dugym, they offer after school gymnastics at our school. But I see jebel ali primary school in their list also so that might be convenient for you if they accept outside children in that location ( they accept outside children in our school in evening sessions but it's in jumeirah).
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2015 - 07:43
Try calling up Kinokuniya in dubai mall or jashanmal in MOE, they might have that book in stock otherwise you would have to order and wait.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 18:59
What is Einstein hoax?
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 08:33
If you need gaming console without need to press buttons..why not get an XBOX 360 with KINECT sensor and pick up one of their Kinect adventures or sports CD. All menus (very few of them) are operated with hand gestures and young kids pick it up very early.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 13:21
Dugym is good. They offer after school gymnastics at our school for students and outsiders. Www.dugym.com
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 16:19
With lots of news of real estate agencies closing down due to slow business...I am surprised that they are hiring? Like the other poster said, do a thorough back ground check before going ahead.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 16:13
I can recommend dr Babita at NMC speciality Qusais. We use to live in Sharjah also and that's where I delivered both my babies. Their rates use to be quite comparable to zulekha. We didn't have insurance for my first one but for the second one we did have insurance but I still went to her, cause of how good she is. Some people I know also went to her and had a good experience. Hospital is fine, no complains , nurses are good also. Billing is quick, lab services are also nice. They now have a NICU as well. Dr babita is very pro natural, never pushes a C section but she discourages epidural. Just want to clear that so you don't get disappointed.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 01:59
What happens if we just chuck our expired/half used medicines in the bin? Medicines that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting our waters, impacting aquatic species, and contaminating our food and water supplies. Medicines chucked in the bin can be retrieved by animals or other people and then abused.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 01:42
Hi moms Do u know of any good tailor in Jumeira who could stitch uniform trousers for my DS as he is very over weight and Threads doesn't have his size They have said it takes about 20 days to make custom made uniforms and I can't make him sit for that long at home as he is not fitting in his old pants.. I am in a fix don't know what to do because I requested the school to allow him in home clothes and they said NO So what should I do now? Thankyou I would say your school is being quite unreasonable. Our school changed uniform last year and some parents had to order custom made uniform for their kids. Those kids came in home clothes for that entire period. They were not made to sit home. if your sons uniform pants are of some generic color like navy blue or grey. You can try debenhams or marks and spencer uniform section for something which is close to the uniform and ask the school if he can wear those while you wait for the custom made ones.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2015 - 01:34
Mac is good But not for everyday use. People say it causes spots and blemishes. The mineral one isn't so heavy but the other ones they have get cakey and melt in the heat. I like to use dior (liquid foundation with loose powder on top) unfortunately it comes in a very small container and only lasts me two weeks. So I also buy maybelline or L'Oréal true match powder. Under it I use tinted sun protection. I have to change the colour a few times a year as I get darker and lighter each season. The sales ladies are not always helpful, sometimes they recommend colours clearly too dark or orange tinted for me. I had no trouble like spots and blemishes with a Mac foundation so far but can't say for other people. If you are going to be outdoor with a foundation in this weather it's best to use a primer underneath (I use radiance primer by MAC). makes a huge difference. Prevents that dreaded melting effect.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2015 - 20:09
Thanks comp I have combo skin and some break outs so guess I shall try Clinique if it worked for your friend with similar skin type. Interesting what you say about MAC. There was a thread some time ago by a lady who had issues with MAC foundation. I never actually have tried any MAC make up. I think I have seen that thread and definitely not all Mac products are as great as they are hyped to be but their studio fix range have worked for me nicely so far. May be after few years it might not as skin go through changes with age. Yes, do try out clinique and Estée lauder also but never buy on the same day, no matter how perfect it looks on trying.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2015 - 18:52
I use studio fix fluid foundation for full coverage but for any Mac foundation I would recommend you don't buy straight away. Let the lady apply it on you and leave it on your skin for 3 or so hours. check in different lights and weather. They tend to change color on skin after some time. For lighter coverage I mix studio fix with my sunblock. For medium coverage I use it on its own..but with fingers and for full coverage i apply it with a brush and with a primer and set it with a powder. So it's quite versatile but depending on your skin type ..it might not work for you. As it didn't, for my friend with oily skin with acne scarring. She prefers the clinique foundation. So try out different ones and try different shades other than the one suggested by the sales ladies. Their color matching have never worked for me.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 August 2015 - 18:37
you can check out lighthouse Arabia. They offer counseling for loss as well. Hope it helps. www.lighthousearabia.com
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2015 - 12:57
You should be able to find some at souvenir shop of jumeirah group at souq madinat jumeirah. Call them up to confirm.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2015 - 12:54
I was in Zaks store last week to pick up uniforms for my DS. First of all you don't get the proper sizes, the smallest size they carry now is 5-6 years, then the material of the cloth and specially of the PE polo shirts don't look like cotton at all and my DS is allergic to non-cotton materials... The quality you get is not worth at all for the amount you pay and I can't buy it from anywhere else as the school has their logo on the shirts, restricting us to buy from this store only. School PE kit is always polyester , just like other sports kit you get in sportswear shops. Polyester is a fabric of choice due to it's quick drying property but quality is a different matter.
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2015 - 12:49
Hey Be it Zaks or Threads both are ripping us off I think....but at least the PE shirts which I use to get from Zaks for my DD wouldn't lose their color to the PE shirts that I recently got from Threads.they have changed completely the color has spread all over the shirt..I don't know how to restore back the original color..any idea??? Please help Thank you Won't be possible to restore original color without strong and numerous bleaching attempts.still it WONT be like new and there would be fabric damage (fading or easy to get ripped). Best to confront the uniform shop guys with receipt and if they get cheeky, complain at the consumer department,
comp99
518
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2015 - 02:48
I can recommend dr Saliha Afridi at light house Arabia. She is an American qualified psychologist and a regular at dubai eye radio.
 
 
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