cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2015 - 06:43
I am just about to try a budget for a month - we are a family of 3 (1x hungry teenage boy!) DH and I have agreed 1,000k a week for everything food/household items ... Let's see how it goes, I think it's generours but let's see how we go. We like good food and cook every night except for one delivery treat a week, and we all have packed lunch every school day I am trying to empty my freezer since christmas, amazing what's hidden in the depths, and only supplementing stuff to go with it, have actually seen the bottom of the freezer - amongst escaped peas and frozen chips! I am avoiding the big 'S' unless for bread and p0rk - and trying to stock up at C4 and Lulu for everyday items, inc chicken that I can freeze. edited by cymraes on 19/01/2015 <em>edited by cymraes on 19/01/2015</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 05:48
DH's company insurance is Daman, we're very happy, never had a problem. I've had small procedures and can't fault them. Out of the 6 years here, 5 have been with Daman
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2015 - 20:45
Welcome ... Where to live is governed by where DH works or more importantly what your budget is .. Try to search 'newbie dubai' lots of associated and helpful threads xx
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2015 - 20:41
If you attend regularly what does the church you regularly attend offer? <em>edited by cymraes on 05/01/2015</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2015 - 17:41
Thanks for all the tips .... we went lady week(!) to Fork and Cork at the Anantara on the Palm it was awesome and very civilised, fantastic choice of food and BOGOF on Entertainer app this month... Well worth the trip to the Palm! Will report back after this[i'>[/i'> weeks brunch. - bang goes the diet!!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 January 2015 - 21:33
Down with brunches, I guess! I didn't get it either, and sorry I have no advice, never been to that brunch. I always find that the less I eat, the more I get out of the brunch. I only eat things that look "wow" and put one spoonful on my plate :) Thanks Beebs for your comments ... Wasn't planning on a brunch this month but the invitation came today - happy new year all x. Will take your tip of one spoon wows x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 January 2015 - 20:36
Why the thumbs down?
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 January 2015 - 19:19
So I'm in my 6th year here in Dubai and we're finally going to the infamous Mina A'Salam brunch for the first time. As it's quite an expensive brunch I really want to make the most of it. I love meat and a few drinkers - so what's your top tip to get the most out of it - I will have my comfy 'brunch' shoes on as I understand it's quite spread out. C'mon girls let me have your tips for a memorable brunch x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 December 2014 - 10:44
Next stupid question - we've been told we'll get a cubic metre of stuff to bring with us immediately. Has anyone any experience of this? Do companies tend to say 1m cubed or can you have a longer narrower container? Thanks again. Best check with the company that is shipping the stuff - they will probably give you the dimensions . We had 23 cubic metres paid for by our company, this is a small container (like you see on ships) and the shipping/packers packed it for us.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 23:51
Thanks for your positive feedback ... DH agreed to go and gave a look ... Thanks again
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 December 2014 - 20:54
Steak, chicken and salmon on the bbq, big salad ..... Mocha ice box cake (homemade!) and lots of bubbles - with friends Happy New Year all ... Let's hope all our dreams come true in 2015 - as we say in Wales "blwyddyn newydd dda"!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 December 2014 - 22:28
We've just renewed DH photocard license online. No issues. ... and when it asked you to declare you were resident in the UK ... What did you answer?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 December 2014 - 13:29
Hello Expat friends, Finally, after years and years of searching for Mr. Right and meeting some really horrible men, going through a lot of financial hardships, work issues and having to also provide for dependents, I finally at the age of 40 found the man of my dreams and he proposed to me. I finally get to celebrate for myself. I have said yes :). Now I need your help please. We are both British and want to do our marriage ceremonies in London, UK where we are both from. Due to financial constraints, we cant afford a reception. So we plan to do our registry and at the same time do a lunch/dinner, preferably at the same venue where we get married. We dont mind North, South, East or West London, but looking at a decent venue and grounds. I would love to get married in a Church as they are beautiful accross London and there are nice grounds around. But we are not Christians and I am not sure if it is possible? We dont want to just get married in the registry office as it wont be special. We are both on a tight budget and are cluleless as to how much a venue and food can cost. Our friends have had very lavish weddings so we cant even approach the same venues they went for. Can anyone please help me in suggesting a venue, like a country manor or anything where we have a nice venue, grounds and is an official place to get married as well as somewhere they can set up and offer us a meal for us and our guests. We are looking at around 100 people. I have no idea as to how expensive it can be but ideally we dont want to pay more than 20 pounds per head for the venue and food and basic round table set up, plus on top we will pay the registry (hiring someone to perform the ceremony) costs. Please do come forward to help us and please remember us in your prayers. God Bless You all. edited by Bonbon1 on 27/12/2014 Congrats ... Guildhall in Windsor is lovely ... I think your budget is a little tight though at £20 a head However why would you want to get married in a church if you are not Christian?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 December 2014 - 19:45
On the same topic not seen red oxo for about 9 months, thankfully visitors brought 2 catering packs from Costco on their last visit! Good luck in your hunt and do post if you find them
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 17:45
Hi, I had a D&C under general last weekend with Dr Elsa at City Hospital - however not MC related. She was lovely and City Hospital couldn't do enough to make the visit positive and professional, they were very caring. Dr Elsa is due to leave really soon, but told me she will have rooms at City, but I don't have any more details. I will have a follow up with her after the holidays. Hope you find somewhere you are comfortable with x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 08:54
Have found The Nail Spa the best they do bio sculpture in a huge range of couloirs, costs a bit more but lasts the longest for me - have had it done at Arabian Ranches, but they have salons over town
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 December 2014 - 08:46
Have used Columbus for years, both when living in the UK. And UAE, you can state country of residence. Great service, quick and easy http://middle-east.columbusdirect.com/travel-insurance/single-trip-travel-insurance-d?COR=ARE&countryOfResidence=ARE&agentCode=UAE&sourcecode=GOOG1&mkwid=sVGOjCgzL_dt&pcrid=53256538218&gclid=CKirg5bRtcICFYvItAodYhYA3g <em>edited by cymraes on 08/12/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 November 2014 - 19:24
Child care wont be a problem bcoz i can invite either my parents or my parents -in-law here to take care of him. thanks for the reply You will have to sponsor family if you bring from home country to live with you or they will be 'visitors' which means no healthcare or visa (not ideal) there is a min salary expectation to do this, search on here as the info I don't know No idea about salary.do you know what would the starting salary for a HR officer? Any insights would be of great help. People will do it for as little as 4k AED a month ... Some for 30k what will be the cost of living for a family of three in dubai? [i'>Do a search on here .... Some families manage on very little 10k per month ... Others 30k family income is average ... But some can't 'survive in this...(!) depends on where you live, lifestyle, outgoings cars, school fees, shopping other costs etc[/i'> [i'>My advice - do lots of research, however if your husbands package is good your money will be in [i'>addition[/i'>[/i'> thanks in advance regards Titli edited by cymraes on 19/11/2014 <em>edited by cymraes on 19/11/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 November 2014 - 18:45
HR is a very competitive world here in Dubai - what's your salary expectation? Get your CV polished, network as much as possible (especially on LinkedIn) and sadly, don't hold your breath for a quick hire. There is lots of competition from highly qualified and very experienced people. Good luck with your move, also if you have a little one you will need to factor in childcare - or a maid to look after them, Dubai is not very accommodating for working mums - story of far too many of us ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 18:42
It could reflect on your attendance record which could impact on the kid's overall record if you were to move school.... Normally the procedure is to contact the principal and seek their approval - some days will be granted as authorised and some as non authorised (go on your record), this has happened to friends in our sch (g3ms)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 18:38
Contracted to work 41 hours a week but on average work between 50 and 60 ... Far longer hours than I did in the UK for a lot less money ... Them's the breaks working on a local contract but it tops up the ever increasing school fees and rent
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 October 2014 - 20:43
Hi ... Where can I get a poppy?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 18:38
Not sure but GEMS schools may pay more but I think the hours are longer than you are looking for. I may be wrong on the pay but worth checking. Admin Hours 7.30-4.30 standard depends on role but ball park 6-9,000 a month small sch discount and approx 6 hour day during sch hols, they get annual leave entitlement not sch hols, option for medical ins is a good estimate - know someone who works for a Gems premium school, my contact and her coworkers work very hard for their money Why not apply and see if you get an interview, all relevant questions can be asked direct at that point. <em>edited by cymraes on 07/10/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 11:37
Hi there, can your partner not sponsor you - save doing the visa runs? Or are you not married? Just a word of caution if you're not married and living together this is actually illegal, I see from another thread that you're looking for accommodation. Good luck with your new life in Dubai
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 15:52
Reporting back - had a fab trip, 14aed for a day ticket - brilliant day out :-). One happy mother in law too! Although didn't rate the heritage village unless we missed something, also did the Abra each way over the creek <em>edited by cymraes on 23/09/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 08:41
A friend of mine has a Prestige one, she loves it .... Prestige are a good saucepan manufacturer too, not sure if you can get the pressure cooker here. Hope this helps
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 08:37
Thanks asd250 for the info, am quite looking forward to our adventure!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 08:05
Am taking my MinL for a day out today, car is in for service so am going to taxi/metro it. See from the metro website that the best ticket is a 'red ticket'. There is also a day ticket for 14aed is that the way to do it (sorry being a bit thick!) So I don't look like a complete clutz do I just buy this at a station, and how much charge should I put on it or just do the day ticket - is this all zones? Plan to go from MOE to Heritage village area and back to MOE area. Am ashamed to say I've been in Dubai over 5 years and never been on the metro! Thanks all in advance x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 18:41
I buy items from ebay all the time and have them sent out here. I have a 'shop and ship' account which gives me two PO box addresses (I have one for the USA and the other in the UK). Basically, anything sent to your PO box address is then forwarded on to you out here (to your actual home address via courier). There is a delivery charge (they go by the weight of the parcel) so avoid ordering anything heavy. It is a really good service - I bought a pair of ballet shoes for my daughter 4 days ago from the UK and they arrived via Aramex today. I have found that sellers on Ebay are hesitant to send items to the UAE so having an actual address in their home country gets around that. Just doing this for the first time via shop and ship ... Normally I get them sent to friends who bring over - but giving SnS a go on a low value item <em>edited by cymraes on 17/09/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 18:39
DAA is indeed accredited by an American authority and is thus American curriculum. I am unable to comment on the make-up of the teachers there, however having seen the other side of how schools in Dubai are run, the profit motive means that overseas hire teachers are expensive compared to locally hired. It is relatively simple to come across elementary/primary teachers who are residing locally with their husbands/wives, but are expat and fit the particular national curriculum of the school. However, it is not so easy to find such teachers for the upper years as they are generally needed to be more specialised. If anyone were able to look at where the teachers are coming from, you will find that many are hired locally. Hence an American school will have a high proportion of teachers of nationalities other than the USA. Same may apply for some British schools. No requirements (well, if there are they don't abide by them) to pay airfares, accommodation, health insurance etc. Totally profit motive. Are you implying that DAA and other premium schools are not offering benefits you mention in their package to teachers? I know at the British curr school (which is for profit and in a group) DS goes to the teacher package is quite good if not excellent compared to others, I have many friends who work in British curr schools
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 06:56
Thanks missy moo..... Darn the blooper is fine apart for that, so down to Emax for me! Good tip about piercing the bottle first though,thanks :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 19:21
So the spigot/pokey thing that goes in the 5 gallon bottle of my water cooler has broken, anyone seen replacements? I've only ever seen new tap replacements .... Thanks in advance, cooler is perfect apart from the broken spigot!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 19:18
Thanks Amelia and Timtam ... Two unconnected friends have had mediocre experiences at Cara so am loathe to use them. Although lots do rave shout them Will check out Calash - thanks Amelia for to recommendation
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 19:09
oh wow that's amazing. I hope it was in that book. It is a pork recipe with apricots and I think cumin? Dang must have a different version circa 1982 only two p0rk recipes Pork n beans and a Cidered Pork - sorry about that x have you searched the internet for something similar
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 04:48
I think I have the same book, although don't want to part with the book, I could scan and send the recipe, which recipe is it so I can check?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 14:13
I think you might find lots of vouchers shouldn't be transferable, and I doubt people will want to buy but may want to swap...
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 20:41
I have a diploma in Accounting. It's only my husband and my self. 5000-10,000 AED would be sufficient for the both of us. Even if housing is on top of this I fear you may struggle financially and should also include flights, medical etc, if housing is not included I wouldn't even accept an offer like that - sad but true, you will struggle to make ends meet <em>edited by cymraes on 01/09/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2014 - 21:32
We're up at The Villa - love it in our 5th year renting here, and we're in the middle of the building ... Nothing can beat your own pool and space/privacy - our poochie loves it x <em>edited by cymraes on 30/08/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 18:52
DS has just completed GCSEs at WSO we couldn't be happier ... Moved him from DESC - he loves it there and going to do IBCC next year - we have no doubts it has been a great school for our son. WSO have had exceptional results in GCSE this year, higher than their expectations, don't discount it Hope this helps
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 17:17
Ooh thunderbird an looking now xx Cymraes did you find the Facebook page? Do you like it? Yes I did, but got inundated with FB update messages that I unfollowed - thanks for the tip ... I may just dip in and out for inspiration. BTW Pinterest same some fab recipes too mmmmmmm
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 19:21
Ooh thunderbird an looking now xx
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 17:52
Hi all, I love my crockpot/slow cooker but need some new fresh recipes as I go back to school - shall we share? Right I'll kick off: [b'>Chicken in sweet coconut sauce[/b'> 1 can coconut milk (reg or low fat) 250 mls sweet chilli sauce (in a bottle, like you dip your spring rolls into!) 4-6 chicken breasts/thighs etc I use boneless as my boys don't do bones! Pour coconut milk into crockpot, add sweet chilli sauce and whisk well. Add the chicken, put lid on Pop on high for 4 hours or 5-6 on low .... Go to work! If the sauce is thin by the end of cooking time, mix up 1 tablespoon of cornflour/cornstarch with a little water and add to to pot and cook through for the last 30 mins Serve with steamed rice, noodles or pasta Right what's your fab crockpot recipe? x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 09:01
I am under husband's sponsorship on a AD visa live and work in Dubai with no problem .... Long may it continue as DS settled in school in Dubai
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 17:59
I used the following company to send my nanny to http://www.theperfecthelp.com/ If you have a 'nanny' why would she need to go on course, surely a nanny would be qualified that's why you pay them more? But a maid with no child care experience caring for a small baby even for a short time during the day, with no experience, not sure I'd want to go down that road.... A nanny's job and a maid's jobs are different and the salary is too. Harsh but very true :-) <em>edited by cymraes on 11/08/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 17:52
It's a long old waiting game .... My advice, mix with as many people in every situation, often it's knowing someone who knows someone who needs someone .... As you'll see from previous posts, many many ladies in the same situation sadly. And as Izzy says - best not to shout (ie use caps!) x <em>edited by cymraes on 11/08/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 21:54
Thanks so much TB will give them a buzz in the morning, very much appreciated :-) C x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 16:32
... Hi there - I've sent you an email .... Link for visa man in AUH not working, do you have another contact no? x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 14:32
LannyDuff good luck at your interview - if you want them to give you a visa (sponsorship) I think you'll need to weave this into the interview. Talking money is always a difficult one but if you plan to support your family you will defo need 30k AED if not more plus a good allowance (sch fees, flights, medical, housing) on top, a month as someone has already recommended. We came with a slush fund and spent 8k UK pounds which went pretty quickly on set up costs .... I don't want to put you off at all, we love it here but it is very expensive to live if you can only make ends meet on your salary. Everything has to be paid either up front or there and then, don't start to put it on credit cards - esp living costs. I wish you every success :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 18:01
Thanks Gabi - our flight to Manchester is Term 3 with Etihad at 0250 so hoping to get a bite of supper and a drink about 2300, yes saw Al Reem one was closed whilst I was trying to get details last night Thanks x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 July 2014 - 19:27
I stayed in Springs when we first got here but it didn't suit. We are now in Arabian Ranches for 3 years & I just love it- wouldn't live anywhere else! But it comes down to personal choice & budget. Hi Champagneblonde, We'll be also moving to Dubai in September and I was trying to pick information about Springs. Then, I see you comment above. I was also feeling closer to Arabian Ranches as far as I see from web. But we're also taking advices to move to Springs. I wondered your reason of preferring Arabian Ranches to Springs. Can you compare these two areas? I know it is personal, but thought I can find mutual points. Thanks Ilksen Personally Arabian Ranches is more up market, we lived there for two years (now at The Villla for last 3 years) Have friends who live in a couple of Springs houses, again personally Springs looking tired and is just too sprawling - but people like it and I guess it's nearer to down town amenities. I would choose Ranches over Springs any day - not sure what your budget is as it appears AR is far more expensive than Springs Hope this helps
 
 
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