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CouchPotato

CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 19:19
PS your village - do you mean JV?
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 19:17
Did your gardener originally just come round and ring your doorbell and you've arranged to pay him 2/3/400 AED a month? Or is it through a company where you are paying his boss and it is through a proper company? It's not that you are doing something illegal, it's that you've mentioned that he is sitting watching you from across the road and that he is being rude to you - that just doesn't sit well with someone who has access to your property and you don't have details of his passport/visa/sponsor etc.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 19:04
OP, be a little bit careful with this. It sounds like a very casual arrangement and I'm thinking you don't have a proper arrangement in place with a landscaping company (where you are paying a monthly fee/getting receipts etc). Bear in mind that this is AS illegal as hiring a part time maid, you are still subject to fines and if this person has access to your property and something goes missing or whatever then the Police would wonder why he had a key etc. It all just sounds a little bit intimidating with him being rude to you and sitting across the road watching your movements? I'd be a little bit worried if you are doing something (possibly you didn't know) illegal and then you end up in a sticky situation.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 18:28
Here is the mysterious paw [url=http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=33zfiag&s=8#.VYq-u_mqqko '>link[/url'> is it a fox: [url=https://www.google.ae/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=KaSKVcrGEoyJ8QeL0oGIDw#q=fox+paw+print'>link[/url'> or a cat: [url=https://www.google.ae/search?q=cat+paw+print&rlz=1C1OPRA_enAE568AE568&oq=cat+paw+print&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.2713j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8'>link[/url'> It's definitely not a rat: [url=https://www.google.ae/search?q=rat+prints&rlz=1C1OPRA_enAE568AE568&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&imgil=b12MfR_81ekoNM%253A%253B4Uuj6Zr2z4YW0M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ratforum.com%25252Farchive%25252Findex.php%25252Ft-40842.html%25253Fs%2525253Db215846281b301c683d9c8cea192bd64&source=iu&pf=m&fir=b12MfR_81ekoNM%253A%252C4Uuj6Zr2z4YW0M%252C_&biw=1821&bih=830&dpr=0.75&usg=__RlxCY_TBSZyxuNYWRVa3HkB4ubw%3D&ved=0CCgQyjc&ei=qb2KVfzAFI6P7Aa7pp2YBQ#imgrc=b12MfR_81ekoNM%253A%3B4Uuj6Zr2z4YW0M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fi48.tinypic.com%252F205wrcg.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ratforum.com%252Farchive%252Findex.php%252Ft-40842.html%253Fs%253Db215846281b301c683d9c8cea192bd64%3B1072%3B885&usg=__RlxCY_TBSZyxuNYWRVa3HkB4ubw%3D'>link[/url'> eek!
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 18:10
It would be great if there was a standard thing across all malls
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 16:41
Ok am now slightly freaked out as have compared cat prints and fox prints to the picture I took this morning and it the toes look longer than a cat's. :quite: How can I share a picture?
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 16:31
Alismum, Dubai Mall Food Court is fully open for [i'>dine-in[/i'> not just takeaway and not just for children!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 16:29
Eek, hadn't thought of a fox. It could be. The dog definitely knew something was afoot as he was snuffling around when we got into the kitchen, but he is the dopiest thing and would actually run away from a cat so I am not sure what to do now.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 07:20
It comes to a PO Box, which can be your own or your or your DH's office. There are also services which can collect your mail from your PO Box on your behalf and deliver it to your doorstep, you'd pay around 300 AED per month for that.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 06:58
I don't think ANYone could/would ever be offended at a baby or child eating. By the way, this year the food court in Dubai Mall is fully open (behind screens).
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 06:43
Good morning! So. We have a dog and a dog flap. The other evening I had bought some bread rolls, they were still unopened in the packaging and I left them on the counter for sandwiches the next morning. When I came down, the packaging was open and the rolls were gobbled. :thinking: It was only on one side though so I convinced myself that they must have been like that when bought and I hadn't noticed. Then last night I left a bag of porridge on the counter for today - I came down in the middle of the night and the bag was ripped and the contents everywhere :thinking: I cleaned up (as best you do at 1am) but there must have been some dust from the porridge left as when I have come down this morning there are PAW PRINTS from a further visit!! ack! :sleeping: I've googled rat prints and it is not that (phew) - I think it's a cat, so dear ladies, how do I deter a cat from coming through the dog flap and having a picnic. I definitely won't even be leaving pacakaged food out but I still don't really want it inside?! Suggesting the dog would be the obvious solution but I think he'd probably sleep through everything! :lol:
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 20:24
Cool wet flannels? If you get worried Latifa Hospital have paediatricians 24 hours a day.
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 20:17
OP, don't do it!! Oh dear. Is anyone else thinking [i'>mango-slicer[/i'> here?
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 19:36
the other week: Calling a Dr: Me: Hello, I'd like to make an appointment for 3.15pm please Him: Oh there's no appointments here, you just walk in Me: Oh. It's just that I only have a small window of opportunity and can only come at 3.15pm exactly so if there won't be a Dr available I won't bother coming today. Him: Can't tell if there will or there won't be. You'd have to just come and see at the time. Me: oh, ok. I'll do that then. <Find Parking space in difficult zone. Walk to Dr surgery. Drip sweat profusely. Enter Surgery at 3.15pm precisely> Me: (entering reception - no patients) - Hello, did I speak to you earlier, about the 3.15pm appointment with the Dr Him: Yes Maa'm - just fill this form up <time passes - form is filled up> Me: Err, the form is filled up, is it possible to see the Dr now then? Him: Yes if you can just wait for a while Me: A while? <shouting in head DEFINE A WHILE?!> - can I ask how long you think it will be as I mentioned on the phone I don't have long Him: Actually Maa'm the Dr goes for lunch at this time. Maybe he'll be back in half an hour or more. Me: <looking around for blunt object> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGHHH
CouchPotato
1010
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 19:27
At a Fast Food place (i know, i know). Me: 2 XYZ burgers, just the sandwiches, and an apple juice please Her: 2 XYZ meals with an orange juice? Me: No, not meals, just the 2 x XYZ sandwiches with an apple juice Her: So which drinks would you like with the meals? Me: I don't want the meals, just the 2 x sandwiches and an apple juice please Her: So just the sandwiches? With an orange juice? Me: APPLE!! APPLE!! APPLEJUICE! Her: aaah apple juice. <5 minute pause> <receive bag> <open bag> <sigh> <succumb to orange juice>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 15:09
YES Mrs 13b, it's amazing. I am also food coma'd but I quite like it for lunch as then you don't eat for the rest of the [strike'>week[/strike'> day.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 15:07
Let's assess what we have here: Disrespectful maid + Willing to badmouth Madam in public + Not doing job properly/at all + Long summer + DH sometimes there/sometimes not, house empty for long periods of time + she knows she'll be out of a job in October = a very worrying situation. I'd be very worried about what will be going on in your house over the summer while she is under your sponsorship.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 18:54
The traffic getting out of Downtown at that time can be a nightmare. (sorry). (in any direction!) I think it depends exactly where you are leaving from, as SL says from DIFC is fine - Downtown totally different. Definitely try it out (although maybe he already works there so knows how long it takes him to exit his particular office?) Once he has actually exited the area and is on the highways it wouldn't be too bad at all.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 17:51
PS welcome back KK72 :)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 17:50
The grass always seems greener on the other side, especially when it's hot and sticky here and life seems cooler and fresher everywhere else in the world. the UAE is a transient place, people used to come on 2 or 3 year contracts and then go, now people generally tend to stay longer but they still usually reach the end of their cycle at the 6/7/8/9 year mark and then move on, but lots of people are moving in as well. Rents will go up and down. People will move in and out of their homes and of the country. That's life here!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 17:31
Appletiser when I had my wallet stolen my Egate card was one of the things inside (along with Emirates ID cards, Driving License, etc etc) - you can imagine trying to get them all reissued. ANYway, getting a police report now is not quite as simple as before when you used to turn up with 20 AED and get it done. You must firstly visit a typing centre and request a police report which will detail everything, and it is in arabic, and then you take it to the police station, get the police report and then take it to Egate (you'll get it reissued within 10 mins at DNATA). You'll also have to pay for a new one I'm afraid.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 05:46
OP you sound lovely and it is great that you have done so much for her. But this all sounds like one huge headache you don't need. You already know that she is going to be doing something illegal and all the previous stuff sounds like a nightmare. I'd cut your losses and steer well clear of this.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 06:44
OP are you planning on working for someone else or setting up your own business? Maybe it would be worthwhile connecting with some salons when you are over to have a better idea of salaries etc. As previous posters have said, generally salaries in this area are quite low. If you wanted to set up your own salon it would be expensive in terms of rent, fit out, annual trade license, insurance etc, you would have huge start up costs and would require a local sponsor.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 06:31
Just the bones? Or the meat as well? Organic food & Cafe, Spinneys, Carrefour and all meat now at Spinneys is labelled 'hormone free'. There is also a new range of Spinneys food which is locally produced on farms in Salalah.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 06:27
If you believe a site has been blocked incorrectly, you can contact the Telecoms Regulatory Authority (TRA) and request it to be unblocked. http://www.tra.gov.ae/en/
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 06:24
Premier Inn Silicon Oasis for a budget hotel within 10 minutes of Nad Al Sheba, or Meydan for a more expensive but very nice hotel within 5 minutes of NAS.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 19:31
Cherpie if you move, I feel that you'll become very resentful and this will not help your situation. But it will be very difficult for you to stay here if you are the only one who wants to. Ajman and RAK are both nice places. Yes, they may not have the bustling life that Dubai has, but you often find that there are better friendships to be formed in smaller, quieter towns where there is less going on. You may find that a new start, a new house and some new friendships may give you a better outlook. Whatever happens, you are only less than an hour away from Dubai - it won't be the end of the world. take care x
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 18:07
I agree with Plum, also much nicer for your child being near friends from school for playdates etc. The traffic may improve exiting the Ranches however you also need to consider at the other end - exiting the 311 to get to DSO in the morning - the traffic there at school time is not good!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 16:41
Satwa or Bur Dubai (it's also where all the big stores send them ;) )
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 16:40
NO NO NO and NO again! Run for the hills!
CouchPotato
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 16:22
Did you try Daiso? I remember last year they had hanging moons, etc. Haven't been past this year, but worth calling them.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 16:21
I have a Crockpot. I got it from Lakeland MoE. It's fantastic, turns to Warm mode automatically for two hours after cooking. Then it has an auto shut off after it has warmed for two hours. Makes it safe to leave when nobody's home to look at it. That sounds really good. Slow on my Kenwood is supposed to be for 8 hours but I'm mostly out for 9 hours so when I get in it is generally a burned mess as I can't guage the liquid properly!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2015 - 15:46
(Not going to open/read the article) but what sort of people would enjoy or condone this?? Really beyond belief. What is the world coming to?
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2015 - 17:21
All of the Rotanas! Doesn't somewhere do a Sunday Roast night as well?..
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2015 - 17:20
Not sure about survival kits but the following preparation tips helped us: Keeping a stock of biscuits & teabags for visitors, keeping loads of stock of things like washing up liquid, toilet rolls etc, so you are not having to make unnecessary supermarket trips. Pre-freeze looooads of soups, scones, stews etc. You really won't feel like cooking those first few weeks. Keep loads of babygros, don't bother with too many outfits, you'll just want to hibernate. Can't think of anything else[strike'> because it's all a sleep deprived blur[/strike'>
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2015 - 16:52
Yay! Sounds yummy. we should organise a [strike'>covert in case we get banned[/strike'> thali expedition.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 June 2015 - 11:51
Hi Mrs 13b Lulu Al Barsha What are you making? :)
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 05:18
But you have forgotten to tell us what this wonder-inducing miracle-performing suggestion is!! Or is there going to be a reveal all post later. Complete with details on where to buy it. :P
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 18:21
It is definitely going to hit Oman on Thursday. Let's hope it is not as bad as previous years where there have been many lives lost. LittleOne hopefully your DH will change his mind about his trip. This from an hour ago.. http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/ashooba-to-hit-southern-oman-on-thursday-morning-1.1532447
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 20:56
What [i'>is [/i'>that blue bit in the middle?? Is that the middle of it? Or is the middle of it the red bit? Is the red bit rain or wind?
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 18:24
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/20150608/uae-weather-tracking-cyclone-ashobaa
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 18:22
Look at how still everything is just now!! Totally, totally still. EEK!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 17:46
No I think this is what we have been feeling in our bones. I'm hopeful for a day off and everything. think rainy thoughts people!!
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 17:23
You could also check Berlitz Language Centre
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 17:03
Hopefully by now the OP will have found a nice villa in DSO, direct from the LL so no issues around cheques, furnished it entirely from Dubizzle, within 5 minutes from her DD's school. Hopefully.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 16:56
All I'm saying is, don't wash your car, windows, or balcony. Or you will be VERY grumpy by Friday.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2015 - 05:08
He can do a POA in the country he is in now, have it legally translated into arabic, have it attested in that country by the UAE Embassy and then you will have to have it stamped here by the MOFA. (I believe it will have to be a new one and not the one he has already done). It may seem like a lengthy procedure however this is in place to protect you and your Landlord from losing huge amounts of money which has happened to many people over the last few years. Looking at only furnished options will be limiting you hugely. At the moment people are selling all their furniture as a job-lot, you can easily furnish your home cheaply and with everything at one go, have a look at Dubizzle. Then you are not limited to furnished options.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2015 - 19:01
Refinery :) Refinery, beauty lounge 8:00 am–10:00 pm 04 3388000
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2015 - 17:58
Al Nasr Leisureland for budget ice skating, swimming, go karting, bowling, tennis and squash http://www.alnasrll.com/rates.php DU do Movie Tuesdays with discounted tickets Posh Paws petting zoo for 4/5pm feeding of the animals 10 AED a bucket of food Dubai Museum 2 AED Mamzar Beach Park for public swimming pool @ 10 AED Al Ain Night Zoo (10 AED) Sharjah Wildlife Park (10/15 aed) Sharjah Aquarium (10/15 aed) There will also be the Sports World at the Trade Centre where you can go with your bike, scooters, skate boards etc HTH.
CouchPotato
1010
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2015 - 17:37
hahaha! Funny! But I don't think you really [i'>could[/i'> do it. Are you telling the truth? I'm actually not sure it makes sense. Would the probability not change after she took each [strike'>diabetes inducing ulcer causing[/strike'> sweet?
 
 
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