CouchPotato | ExpatWoman.com
 

CouchPotato

CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2015 - 17:10
Generally, as people realise their children's passports need to be renewed before the extended summer period, things start to get busy around April/May, with panic setting in around June. You can normally expect the 4-6 week turnaround time to apply during this time (but hopefully nothing like last year!). At this time of year or any other, 2-3 weeks is about right. You can also utilise the premium 4 hour service when you are home, if you can, which works out about the same price by the time you are DHLing etc.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 07:28
The fault in our stars. It's quite sad. :cry:
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 07:22
He should be fine, depending on what he has on underneath. :lol: But seriously, if he is planning on going anywhere official, then no. Knees on show are not welcome and I've been with someone male turned away from Govt establishments who was wearing knee length shorts. If it's airport/hotel then prob ok (though not really culturally respectful). Just make sure he doesn't have his Sgian Dbuh tucked in to his socks. (speaking from experience involving CID) :sick: <em>edited by CouchPotato on 14/02/2015</em>
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 16:35
If he has an office here in the UAE and is providing you with a proper labour card, ministry contract, medical cover, workman's compensation insurance etc then it's between you and the company if you are not based in the office all the time. However if he's just hoping to pay you for work you are doing for him without all of the above, sorry, not legal. <em>edited by CouchPotato on 08/02/2015</em>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 16:16
I'm sure most EWers don't care what Di's new name is, or where she is posting from - it's just very nice to see you still on the board Chezmoi. :cool:
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 10:02
have you tried amazon? Shop & ship
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 09:42
I've never had one - can't be doing with the drama. it does make life more difficult with juggling work and pack lunches, cooking, laundry etc but it's not impossible and feels more like real life. It's so much easier to just have an agency cleaner come in a few times a week. We also send out the ironing. Not even sure where our iron is. :)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 17:33
Hi JJ, Yes, your LO would be 3, turning 4 in that year if they started FS1. You don't have to do FS1 at school, many start in FS2. It really depends on the school you choose and whether you will get a place if you wait until FS2. Some like to start at FS1 to get a foot in the door, or for other reasons. There are pros and cons to starting school at FS1 age, it works for some and not others. :)
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 17:10
There are bullies on EW, just like there are in real life. EW is pretty much a reflection of real life anywhere. There are people from all walks of life, all circumstances, who post for all sorts of reasons. Frustration, loneliness, fun, boredom, information. It is not nice when certain posters are picked on on a regular basis- yet the people who do it are clever enough to veil it in a way that makes it difficult to call them out on. Of course we all know the poster who gets red thumbed for everything and anything, it really is so nonsensical and hopefully the poster in question can see past that to keep posting. People can disagree with someone without having playground bullying tendencies. But then it wouldn't be real life, would it. The best thing to do PixxyDixxy is just ignore them [strike'>and hope they move away soon[/strike'>.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 16:57
Thank you all very much for being so very helpful xxx
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 16:35
No I haven't tried any of the sweet shops - that is a good idea thanks. But I may wait to see if someone has definitely seen it there, thanks :)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 16:34
specifically 3. Annual Leave Pay: Payments equivalent to the balance of unutilized Annual Leave, [b'>[i'>only if employee completed the probation period. [/i'>[/b'> .
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 16:22
You can check directly with the Labour Dept but if you have a probationary period mentioned on your contract, and you have been terminated within that probationary period, you are not entitled to accrued Annual Leave. http://cvwarehaus.com/UAE%20Labour%20Law-%20short%20guide.pdf
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 16:03
Not if this is inside the probationary period
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 19:49
If you are using them to obtain a status on an employment visa/residence visa yes, the highest of your certificates (even if that is a high school certificate) needs to be attested. This can vary between freezones/federal as some things can get through without.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 19:27
:thinking: :win: (is this a goblet?)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 19:18
Even if we remember them please just retell the story in detail just for SOMETHING to liven this place up. Don't worry about the mods. I think they are [strike'>dead[/strike'> out.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 19:09
&lt;settling in to comfy chair&gt; Please retell the story Beebers
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 17:59
Nodded off while browsing. :sleeping:
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2015 - 16:16
Is this what TNTs have become??! oh, someone PLEASE tell us a good maid meat stamping story!!!
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 06:16
It's too dark to see out. Can you go and inspect the situation and report back. :P <em>edited by CouchPotato on 20/01/2015</em>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 16:44
I would also recommend SkyScraper City. 1) Ensure the funds were paid into an Escrow Account 2) Find out if the project is being held up by the company, or the Land Dept 3) There is a section on www.dubailand.gov.ae where you can find out/report unfinished projects and see if there is already a case going on. 4) Google to see if there are already support groups set up for investors in the same position. Good luck and I hope you get it resolved soon.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 16:33
Thanks ladies, I'm talking more about restaurants in Thailand where sometimes there can be more of a language barrier. As a veggie I wouldn't even mind if the odd item sneaked in that I didn't know about but the problem is I can't stand the fish taste and there's nothing worse than being told it's not in it but you can taste that it is! I found the last time in Thailand just sticking to pasta & sauce was a better option but I was wondering if there were other veggie dishes on a usual thai menu which i hadn't thought of which wouldn't contain the fishy stuff! Never mind. Thanks! :)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 06:56
Thunder but no rain yet!! waaaaaah this is exciting! (and makes you want to eat??!)
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 19:36
It obviously has not been handed to the police, as they would have called you by now. You should report it at Bur Dubai Police Station which covers the area from Bur Dubai to MOE. By the way for a police report now it has to be typed in Arabic. The typing centres know what to do esp the ones near the police station. Try Dubizzle, 7Days <em>edited by CouchPotato on 18/01/2015</em>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 19:24
whoop whoop!!! it can't fail!
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 17:10
We've been let down in the past so many times. But this time it looks like it is definitely happening!! http://www.accuweather.com/en/ae/dubai/323091/weather-forecast/323091?partner=netweather&unit=c
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 17:07
Shwarma picnic on the beach at sunset Cinema in the platinum seats long drive (save this one for summer!) up Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain etc Cycle ride in mushrif park followed by icecreams BBQ in Mamzar Beach park Ice skating Walk along the beach & coffee
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 16:59
The rain is only for one day is it not? they'll be fine. :) <em>edited by CouchPotato on 18/01/2015</em>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2015 - 16:50
We've just had a few spots here in RAK, 97% chance of rain here tomorrow. Oh my GOD are you serious??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting!!! &lt;dramatic&gt; We've not had proper rain for ages. YAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2015 - 12:18
You were in the water?! :\: In January?!! :\: I'm here but it was darn chilly this morning. No I have not started on the pastry [strike'>as it will be coming out of the freezer [/strike'> <em>edited by CouchPotato on 17/01/2015</em>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2015 - 10:46
About 10 years ago (lots of EWers will remember this) there was one at Wafi in a room where people just turned up and paid 20 AED (run by one or two ladies), got a cup of tea and a biscuit and the children played with toys, then at the end there was a sing song and everyone tidied up and went home. It was brilliant!
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2015 - 10:03
Probably going against the grain here, but I'd rather do playgroups at that age than formal activities. You should set up playgroups with tea for mums. There's not enough of that here!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2015 - 10:01
Hello HoneyB If you do a search for Dr Madhu, you'll find loads of recommendations on his gentle manner and also his prices. He's really fab. :)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 January 2015 - 16:03
This happened to me too this week, and I can only think that the Doctors must be on some sort of commission. I was [i'>totally[/i'> conned. I will not be back (and am just hoping mine is covered under insurance!) But even if it is, it's not right that the practiconers are basically making up bills in order to bump them up. It's really not right. But will I complain, probably not.
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2015 - 20:13
Your value is being there for your children and family, you are irreplaceable, your children love you unconditionally without perceptions of worth. Your value should never be underestimated or allowed to be swayed by others. You are a very special lady. ;) AND she is the official Air Fryer Middle East Ambassador as well as being a much loved EW'er. ER, stop putting yourself down, and don't disappear again! xx
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 20:42
i miss your tadpoles. :cry: or were they jellyfish.
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 19:24
It takes time. Bukra. Shway shway. Is it too early for a Valentines theme?
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 17:38
Give comments at appropriate intervals during tree-construction, 'ooh yes, lovely, very nice' etc. And provide refreshments.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 17:25
DH put it up as well. :shy: while I was busy [strike'>sitting on the sofa[/strike'> Someone should invent a christmas tree like these new pop up tents/sun shades, where you just twist it and it all pops up. And then you just fold it up and put it away. It's really too cumbersome to take each branch out and unfold it and stick it in the right place. AND then decorate it. [strike'>Didn't do that either [/strike'>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 17:11
Mine was down super early. [strike'> Boxing Day [/strike'> As too many other things going on [strike'>and it was a good chance to get DH do it so I didn't have to [/strike'>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 17:00
Personally I'd be a little bit careful about this. I'd only go off-roading with a reputable operator who would have the appropriate insurance and drivers who really know what they are doing. There is no point in skimping 100 AED here and there and ending up being injured. There are some things that are not worth saving money on! Make sure you go with a company who gets plenty of good reviews & have a good safety record. If it's just the bbq/henna type evening and not dune-bashing then I guess it's worth saving money on.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 16:56
Sandy Dawg, you need to take your Christmas Tree down!!!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 16:48
Fab aren't they. Just when you think you've explored all there is to explore, there's more!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 19:12
If this is the thing I bought after that thread, then don't, (if your hair is [strike'>wild and difficult [/strike'>like mine.) Used it once and gave it away! Rubbish. Much happier with the Babyliss Beliss. :)
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 17:31
If you can afford to shop in Spinneys you must be on a good package !! lol I was saying I [i'>do not [/i'>shop in Spinneys. And as above, we don't receive school fees, flights or housing.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 17:20
Exactly! And the other problem with Spinneys/Choitrams/P&S is that you see imported items so you feel tempted. I very rarely go as they are not on my daily route anyway, but I do most of my grocery shopping on geant online now. We had an amazing Karama lunch yesterday and still have enough to feed us for a day or two [strike'>hopefully no dinner duty [/strike'> The biggest outlays in Dubai, rent and schools we can't do much about. But for a lot of other things we do have some control and sometimes have to step outside of our comfort zone & usual haunts to get a cheaper (usually better!) experience. <em>edited by CouchPotato on 10/01/2015</em>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 15:27
We don't get housing, school fees or flights for all of us either. I think sometimes it's easy to get sucked in to spending on things you don't really need to though. For example after school activities - if you think about it we didn't have them when we were children and there's not really a [i'>need[/i'> for them to do umpteen different things which cost a fortune. They are mostly happy enough just out on their bikes in the park instead! Same with eating out - there are sooo many lovely places to go, but so many of them are so expensive. You can eat just as well in little eateries in Karama, Satwa, Bur Dubai, and save the pricier places for special occasions. Online grocery shopping is a good way to keep your grocery spending in check too. When you are walking around Spinneys it's very easy to just keep filling up your trolley, but if you are shopping online with a list you tend not to do that. Winter is a good time of year to try and make savings on things you spend money on in the summer; play areas, indoor activities etc. There are lots of free or cheap outdoor things to do in the UAE.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2015 - 08:01
you need to get married, big trouble if you dont... he wont be able to sponsor you or family etc etc and big consquences if found to be cohabiting etc OP has said above that she is getting married before arriving.
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2015 - 07:57
http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/home-garden/outdoors-spaces-and-parks-around-the-uae--in-pictures#1
 
 
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